A Celebration of Courage
National Hospital Week past and future in Gulfport, Mississippi

For Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Mississippi, 2005 was an unforgettable year. The hospital survived Hurricane Katrina and its staff worked diligently to care for members of the community. Located just a few blocks from the beach, the facility served as a beacon of hope to a devastated city.

This truly is a place Where Miracles Happen Every Day. For facilities all along the Gulf Coast, National Hospital Week 2006 will be a celebration of courage.

“It’s a morale booster and something everybody looks forward to all year,” Janet Stuart, Memorial’s marketing manager, said.

Like many facilities across the country, Memorial Hospital has a long history of treating National Hospital Week as a major event. In 2005, the hospital planned a six-day celebration that involved staff members, their patients and the community. Activities kicked off on Sunday with a “Gift Day” where employees were presented with a golf umbrella carrying the hospital logo.

On Monday, ice cream was served to all shifts and a canned food drive was launched. Tuesday’s activities took on a community focus with a blood drive, cholesterol screening and blood pressure checks.

Wednesday, organizers sizzled steaks on the grill for the hospital picnic. On Thursday, doctors gathered for the annual physicians’ breakfast and employees competed in a slate of contests dubbed the “Scrub Shirt Scramble.” A highlight of the day was the hospital’s annual “American Idol” singing competition.

The week wrapped up with a pancake breakfast on Friday.

These activities are a tribute to the diligent staff at Memorial Hospital, just as celebrations in city after city commemorate the excellent work taking place in hospitals across the nation. The efforts of the people of health care in good times and bad make our hospitals the envy of the world. We salute your dedication and wish you a wonderful 2006 celebration.