Final answer:
The first hospice in the United States was founded by Florence Wald in 1974. Although not explicitly stated, hospices like these were often funded by charitable donations along with other forms of support like volunteer work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first hospice in the United States, founded by Florence Wald in 1974, was part of a wider evolution of healthcare practices and facilities. While the specific funding sources for the first U.S. hospice in 1974 are not directly mentioned in the provided references, it is generally known that early hospices were typically funded by charitable donations, similar to other healthcare initiatives of the time. This was a time when healthcare was receiving increased attention at the federal level, such as the Hill Burton funding for hospitals and the establishment of health departments and clinics supported by federal programs. The launch of the first U.S. hospice represented a shift towards providing compassionate care focused on comfort for the terminally ill, in a humane and comfortable environment, usually outside of a hospital setting.