The national theme selected for 2008 Hosptial Week emphasizes the healing process: “National Hospital Week—Where Healing Happens Every Day.”
Hospitals are positive, vital parts of our community that promote health and well-being and that’s the message Community Hospital wants to share as we celebrate National Hospital Week, May 11-17, 2008.
“We want people to understand hospitals are all about healing,” said Chris Thomas, president and CEO at Community Hospital. “Our focus is very positive. Our entire team of physicians, nurses and staff has one mission and that’s to help people get well and stay healthy.”
Keeping healthcare in a positive light is part of the tradition of National Hospital Week, a celebration of care that dates back to 1921. That year, a magazine editor in Chicago suggested an annual open house for healthcare where a skeptical public could see firsthand the important work performed inside hospitals. The idea spread across the country and helped change the perception about hospitals from places of illness to places of healing. Today, National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest healthcare celebration.
"National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of people," Thomas 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. It is a special celebration to show appreciation to employees, physicians, staff, volunteers and to the community.”

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Stroke affects people of all ages, ethnicity and backgrounds. Fortunately, most strokes are preventable, and we all can take steps now to avoid having one.

Stroke facts:
• Stroke is our nation’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of disability.
• Each year approx. 780,000 Americans have a stroke.
• On average, one stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
• Every 3 - 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.
• Stroke causes about 1 in 16 deaths.

Stroke takes a serious toll in the workplace:
• Stroke will cost our nation an estimated $65.5 billion in 2008 (medical costs, lost
productivity, etc.).

Some people have a higher risk of stroke:
• About 60,000 more women than men suffer a stroke each year.
• Blacks have almost twice the risk of a first-ever stroke compared with whites.
• People with high blood pressure (140/90+) have about twice the risk of stroke as
people with blood pressure under 120/80.

For tips on preventing strokes, the warning signs of a stroke, and high blood pressure facts, click here.