Since our founding in 1898 in the parlor of the Black family home, LifeCare Alliance has been promoting health and independence for the central Ohio community.
Learn more about our journey here!
1904
1904
Typhoid epidemic struck down 1,837 people in Columbus. IDNA nurses were the front line of defense.
Typhoid epidemic struck down 1,837 people in Columbus. IDNA nurses were the front line of defense.
1908
1908
Established the first Baby Camp with funding for two tents donated by the Columbus Evening Dispatch newspaper. One tent was erected on the grounds of the Godman Guild Settlement House, the other at Mercy Hospital.
Established the first Baby Camp with funding for two tents donated by the Columbus Evening Dispatch newspaper. One tent was erected on the grounds of the Godman Guild Settlement House, the other at Mercy Hospital.
1913
1913
Flooding killed 93 people and destroyed more than 4,000 homes. Director Jane Tuttle was placed in charge of all relief work. Police and rescue crews reported to and took direction from her.
Flooding killed 93 people and destroyed more than 4,000 homes. Director Jane Tuttle was placed in charge of all relief work. Police and rescue crews reported to and took direction from her.
1915
1915
Accepted its first public health students from Grant Hospital School of Nursing.
Accepted its first public health students from Grant Hospital School of Nursing.
1920
1920
Established infant welfare stations throughout the city. District Nurses weighed the children and instructed the mothers about infant and child care.
Established infant welfare stations throughout the city. District Nurses weighed the children and instructed the mothers about infant and child care.
1924
1924
IDNA became a charter member of the Community Chest, forerunner of the United Way.
IDNA became a charter member of the Community Chest, forerunner of the United Way.
1930
1930
In five years, The Kiwanis Demonstration Center decreased the infant mortality rate to 1 in 292. Originally, it was 1 in 59.
In five years, The Kiwanis Demonstration Center decreased the infant mortality rate to 1 in 292. Originally, it was 1 in 59.
1932
1932
Established the first crisis center in Columbus to tend to the needs brought about by the Depression.
Established the first crisis center in Columbus to tend to the needs brought about by the Depression.
1933
1933
Nearly 14,000 people personally applied at the District Nursing office for nursing and medical aid.
Nearly 14,000 people personally applied at the District Nursing office for nursing and medical aid.
1934
1934
Employed the agency’s first dietitian.
Employed the agency’s first dietitian.
1935
1935
The IDNA adapted to continue the education campaign to improve child and maternal health and survival.
The IDNA adapted to continue the education campaign to improve child and maternal health and survival.
1936
1936
IDNA established an emergency consultation service to assist people in applying for nursing and medical aid.
IDNA established an emergency consultation service to assist people in applying for nursing and medical aid.
1940s
1940s
IDNA proudly flew service flags with 12 stars representing the nurses in service during WWII.
IDNA proudly flew service flags with 12 stars representing the nurses in service during WWII.
1942
1942
The strength in time of war lay in the IDNA nurses to quietly, firmly, and bravely carry on in the face of extreme hardship.
The strength in time of war lay in the IDNA nurses to quietly, firmly, and bravely carry on in the face of extreme hardship.
1952
1952
“To follow patients home once they have been discharged from the hospital is one of the most sane and rational steps forward in medicine and philanthropy.” -Jane Tuttle, Director
“To follow patients home once they have been discharged from the hospital is one of the most sane and rational steps forward in medicine and philanthropy.” -Jane Tuttle, Director
1953
1953
The IDNA noted that the number of older people and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities was growing, an issue that would soon need to be addressed.
The IDNA noted that the number of older people and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities was growing, an issue that would soon need to be addressed.
1959
1959
IDNA led February flood relief efforts with 35 nurses.
IDNA led February flood relief efforts with 35 nurses.
1960
1960
The IDNA nurses focused their attention on the needs of older and disabled residents of Franklin County.
The IDNA nurses focused their attention on the needs of older and disabled residents of Franklin County.
1962
1962
Initiated mass Sabin polio vaccine program in Columbus. IDNA nurses were in the forefront of providing immunizations to the community.
Initiated mass Sabin polio vaccine program in Columbus. IDNA nurses were in the forefront of providing immunizations to the community.
1967
1967
The first class of Home Health Aides graduated.
The first class of Home Health Aides graduated.
1969
1969
Established senior citizen nursing clinics, now known as Wellness Centers, in senior housing areas.
Established senior citizen nursing clinics, now known as Wellness Centers, in senior housing areas.
1972
1972
IDNA changed its name to Community Health and Nursing Service (CHNS).
IDNA changed its name to Community Health and Nursing Service (CHNS).
1973
1973
Began preparing Meals-on-Wheels at Bradford Commons on the Ohio State University campus. CHNS’s first nutrition program, (second Meals-on-Wheels program in the nation) Food for Elderly People, initiated to provide hot, nutritionally balanced meals.
Began preparing Meals-on-Wheels at Bradford Commons on the Ohio State University campus. CHNS’s first nutrition program, (second Meals-on-Wheels program in the nation) Food for Elderly People, initiated to provide hot, nutritionally balanced meals.
1975
1975
Established homemaker program.
Established homemaker program.
1976
1976
Changed name from FFEP Program to NICE (Nutrition Involving Community Elderly). Funded through Title III of the Older Americans Act, NICE served 287,901 meals its first year.
Changed name from FFEP Program to NICE (Nutrition Involving Community Elderly). Funded through Title III of the Older Americans Act, NICE served 287,901 meals its first year.
1987
1987
Adopted the name LifeCare Alliance to demonstrate the agency’s expertise in caring for people from birth through old age by an alliance of health care professionals, volunteers and programs designed to promote independent living.
Adopted the name LifeCare Alliance to demonstrate the agency’s expertise in caring for people from birth through old age by an alliance of health care professionals, volunteers and programs designed to promote independent living.
1989
1989
Expanded community nursing clinics to 17 Columbus-area locations.
Expanded community nursing clinics to 17 Columbus-area locations.
1990
1990
Moved into new program building on West Mound Street. First time all the administrative programs were united in one central location.
Moved into new program building on West Mound Street. First time all the administrative programs were united in one central location.
1991
1991
Increased meals production to 4,000 per day. Kitchen opens at Mound Street complex.
Increased meals production to 4,000 per day. Kitchen opens at Mound Street complex.
1993
1993
The Agency’s food production program expanded to more than a million meals per year.
The Agency’s food production program expanded to more than a million meals per year.
1994
1994
Introduced dining centers for the Asian community, seeing participation grow from 30 to almost 200 in less than a year.
Introduced dining centers for the Asian community, seeing participation grow from 30 to almost 200 in less than a year.
1997
1997
Introduced frozen meals, delivered weekly, to people who can safely forego a daily visitor.
Introduced frozen meals, delivered weekly, to people who can safely forego a daily visitor.
1998
1998
LifeCare Alliance’s Centennial Year – A year of celebration!
LifeCare Alliance’s Centennial Year – A year of celebration!
2001
2001
Opened the first Soul Food and Hispanic Senior Dining Centers in Central Ohio. Began delivery of after-school meals.
Opened the first Soul Food and Hispanic Senior Dining Centers in Central Ohio. Began delivery of after-school meals.
2002
2002
LifeCare nurse practitioner opened primary health care clinic for adults in Columbus. Introduced new look for the agency to strengthen brand identity, including logos, colors, and an icon named “Spirit.” Opened a Somali Senior Dining Center.
LifeCare nurse practitioner opened primary health care clinic for adults in Columbus. Introduced new look for the agency to strengthen brand identity, including logos, colors, and an icon named “Spirit.” Opened a Somali Senior Dining Center.
2003
2003
LifeCare Alliance assumes operation of the Madison County Meals-on-Wheels Program from the Madison County Hospital.
LifeCare Alliance assumes operation of the Madison County Meals-on-Wheels Program from the Madison County Hospital.
2004
2004
Project OpenHand-Columbus became a program of LifeCare Alliance. The Agency launches its first two social entrepreneur programs: L.A. Catering and “Catch The Wellness Spirit” (corporate wellness program).
Project OpenHand-Columbus became a program of LifeCare Alliance. The Agency launches its first two social entrepreneur programs: L.A. Catering and “Catch The Wellness Spirit” (corporate wellness program).
2005
2005
The Columbus Cancer Clinic became a program of LifeCare Alliance. The Clinic provides quality cancer prevention, early cancer detection, and homecare support services to individuals living with cancer.
The Columbus Cancer Clinic became a program of LifeCare Alliance. The Clinic provides quality cancer prevention, early cancer detection, and homecare support services to individuals living with cancer.
2007
2007
On Feb. 6, the Agency’s first capital campaign milestone was achieved when it purchased and began renovation of a warehouse located at 670 Harmon Avenue. Expanded the Agency’s Wellness Center Program’s services to include travel vaccinations.
On Feb. 6, the Agency’s first capital campaign milestone was achieved when it purchased and began renovation of a warehouse located at 670 Harmon Avenue. Expanded the Agency’s Wellness Center Program’s services to include travel vaccinations.
2009
2009
The Agency opens Carrie’s Café at its new meal distribution and event center located at 670 Harmon Avenue.
The Agency opens Carrie’s Café at its new meal distribution and event center located at 670 Harmon Avenue.
2011
2011
In May, IMPACT Safety merges into LifeCare Alliance, the Agency’s fourth merger since 2003.
In May, IMPACT Safety merges into LifeCare Alliance, the Agency’s fourth merger since 2003.
2014
2014
The Agency assumes the Meals-on-Wheels Programs in Champaign and Logan counties due to financial problems with the previous provider. LifeCare Alliance is awarded a state capital grant of $1.5 million to fund capital improvements.
The Agency assumes the Meals-on-Wheels Programs in Champaign and Logan counties due to financial problems with the previous provider. LifeCare Alliance is awarded a state capital grant of $1.5 million to fund capital improvements.
2017
2017
The Central Ohio Diabetes Association merges into LifeCare Alliance.
The Central Ohio Diabetes Association merges into LifeCare Alliance.
2018
2018
The Agency celebrates 120 years serving central Ohio and 45 years of delivering Meals-on-Wheels.
The Agency celebrates 120 years serving central Ohio and 45 years of delivering Meals-on-Wheels.
2020
2020
Diabetes Dayton merges into LifeCare Alliance.
Diabetes Dayton merges into LifeCare Alliance.
