"Obituaries: Clara Hale, 87, Ran Home for Drug and AIDS Babies"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Obituaries: Clara Hale, 87, Ran Home for Drug and AIDS Babies"

Washington Times (12/21/92), P. B2

Abstract: Clara Hale, 87, who operated a home for the treatment of drug-addicted and AIDS babies, died Dec. 18 of complications from a stroke. Known as "Mother Hale," she was commended by public figures including John Lennon and Former President Ronald Reagan. As recently as two months ago, Hale had continued to treat some of the children sheltered in her modest five-story Harlem home, said John Winkleman, spokesman for Hale House. She began her career that made her a symbol of nurturing and child care when she was 64 years old and ready to retire. Hale's treatment of the children was done simply, with no formal training and with hands-on care and love. The Hale House was started by accident. Hale's daughter Lorraine was driving in Harlem in 1969 when she saw a drug-addicted women seated on a crate with a baby on her lap. The woman was in a drugged trance and was in danger of dropping the child. Lorraine Hale, who is now president of Hale House, said, "In a great act of impetuousness, I got out of the car. I lectured her and told her to take the baby to my mother. The following day, Clara Hale called Lorraine and said, "There's a junkie at my door and she says you sent her." Clara Hale nursed the child through withdrawal and told the mother there was no charge for the care. The news spread quickly, and within six months Hale was treating 22 drug-addicted babies.

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