Regional One Health is celebrating National Hospital Week May 11 – 17.

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. That’s the message Regional One Health is touting with the 2014 National Hospital Week theme “Compassion, Innovation, Dedication: The Commitment Continues.”

This theme is the centerpiece of a campaign aimed at uniting healthcare facilities across the country during the May 11-17 celebration. National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of the healthcare providers who serve our patients and communities.

The nation’s largest healthcare 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.