11/10/2026
Good plan!
The powerful initiative known as No One Dies Alone (NODA) has a deeply touching history that traces back to 1986. It was originally inspired by a critical care nurse named Sandra Clarke, who was deeply troubled after a lonely patient asked her to stay by his side during his final moments. Due to overwhelming nursing duties, she couldn't stay, and when she returned later, she discovered the patient had passed away entirely by himself.
Determined to ensure that no other human being would have to face the end of life in total isolation, Clarke helped launch the official NODA program in 2001 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. The framework relies on trained community volunteers who step in as "compassionate companions". These volunteers provide a vital human presence, holding hands, reading, or simply sitting quietly, for hospitalized patients on comfort care who have no family or friends available.
Over the years, this inspiring model has been successfully adopted and adapted by healthcare networks across the country, including Indianapolis's own systems like Eskenazi Health. By acting as a surrogate family during a patient's final hours, these dedicated volunteers ensure that dignity, comfort, and compassion prevail right up to the very end.
