HaysMed will be celebrating National Hospital Week from May 11 to 17 .  The theme of this year’s celebration is “Compassion, Innovation, and Dedication:  The Commitment Continues,” the hospital said in a news release Friday.

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 the public and eventually spread to facilities across the county.

From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community.  Hospitals are more than a place where people go to heal, they are a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope.

In recognition of the hard-working associates at HaysMed various activities are scheduled during this week highlighted by the Hospital Associate Appreciation Pizza Party.  Other events for associates include:  community food drive for Ellis County, 3K fun run/walk, basket extravaganza to benefit the HaysMed Foundation and United Way, and a book fair.

“The commemorative celebration serves as a reminder that hospitals are foundations of the communities that built and nurtured them.  Hospitals today are multi-dimensional environments that offer every medical specialty, with a focus on prevention and wellness.  They are there to serve people in every community from all walks of life,” HaysMed said in a release.