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, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community.

That’s the message organizers are touting with the 2016 National Hospital Week theme, “Health Care from the Heart.” The event theme is the centerpiece of a promotional campaign aimed at uniting health care facilities across the country during the May 8–14 celebration.

“National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of people,” Tammie Wilson, chief nursing officer of Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH), said. “We’re extremely proud of each member of our staff and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our communities.”

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.

A full slate of activities are planned for the week for FCMH employees. Daily activities are planned, including themed days and concluding the week with Fitness Friday when employees will be encouraged to take a walk on FCMH’s path around the hospital, grab a piece of fresh fruit and meet with the local gyms that will be on site sharing information about each of their facilities. Check the FCMH Facebook page to see pictures from each day’s events.

FCMH thanks all the local businesses that are partaking in the discount card for hospital employees, including Streetside 62, Donatos, Wendy’s, Subway, 2 Scoops of Sugar, Back-En-Thyme, Craig’s Shoes and Sports, Sunshine Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Trends Downtown on Court, Long John Silver’s, EZ Oil Change and Domino’s.

Fayette County Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital (25-bed hospital) with over 30 healthcare providers, complete with a full spectrum of healthcare services.

Fayette County Memorial Hospital submitted this article.