Hospice Care, a medically directed program that seeks to treat terminally ill patients and comfort their families, receives a philatelic tribute on a new 33-cent U.S. stamp.
The care, given at home or in a homelike setting, enables the patients to live out their days in peace and dignity.The modern concept of Hospice was founded by Dr. Cicely Saunders in England in 1967. The first American Hospice was established in 1974 in New Haven, Conn.
The design of the new stamp features a large green field in front, and a tree beside a white house with a butterfly flying overhead. The words "Hospice Care" appear at the top.
Continuing its tradition of raising awareness of health and social issues, the U.S. Postal Service is enlarging the visibility of such issues before the public. In the last few years, the Postal Service has released stamps featuring breast cancer, organ and tissue donation, and AIDS. A prostate cancer awareness stamp will be issued later this year.
The Postal Service Fulfillment Services can provide first-day covers for the Hospice Care offering postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. You may call (800) STAMP-24.