Grande Ronde Hospital is celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-16 by applauding the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, volunteers, food service workers, and so many more – who help keep our communities healthy every day.
A hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community.
"National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of community," said Andy Van Pelt, executive vice president of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS). "We're extremely proud of Oregon's community hospitals and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to patients in their communities."
In addition to being a major health care provider, Oregon hospitals support the community by contributing to the local economy through jobs, providing charity and uncompensated care to help individuals who cannot afford to pay for the care they receive, and supporting important community programs and wellness initiatives.
The nation's largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community-wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country.
About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon’s innovative health care delivery system.