For Immediate Release: May 3, 2006

For More Information Contact:

Tony Gregory

Vice President, Legislative Affairs

West Virginia Hospital Association

304/344-9744

Fax: 304/344-9745

NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK RECOGNIZED MAY 7-13, 2006

CHARLESTON, WV – National Hospital Week will be recognized across America the week of May 7-13. The Week is sponsored nationally by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and recognized locally by the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA). Hospitals all across West Virginia will observe Hospital Week with various public activities and events.

The inspiring side of medicine is depicted in the National Hospital Week theme for 2006 Where Miracles Happen Every Day. “The medical profession is making miraculous strides in so many areas,” said Steven Summer, President and CEO of the WVHA. “We’re able to offer many patients new hope that eluded us even a few years ago. From the maternity ward to the recovery room, the hospital is a place of new beginnings and we are all fortunate to be part of it.”

National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 by a magazine editor who hoped a community-wide celebration would alleviate public fears about the facilities. National Hospital Week became official when Calvin Coolidge issued an official presidential proclamation in the late 1920s. Since that time, the AHA and its affiliated state hospital associations have carried on the tradition of recognizing hospital employees for one special week each year. National Hospital Week has since become the nation’s largest annual healthcare event, recognizing the work of hospitals and promoting greater awareness in the community through public tours, activities and educational programs.

The Week is designed to unite hospitals and highlight the vital role they play in their communities. Earlier this year, the WVHA published a report to illustrate how hospitals in West Virginia provide community support. The Hospital Community Benefits Report 2005, online at www.wvha.com, illustrates how West Virginia’s hospitals go above and beyond the delivery of essential healthcare to ensure healthier residents, early detection of disease, a stable and competent workforce and enhanced access to healthcare. Hospitals do this through a myriad of non-traditional health services and programs that benefit communities. In fact, the Community Benefits Report shows that in 2004 West Virginia hospitals last year offered to their communities 170,258 education and outreach programs, as well as 132,561 health screenings, for a total of 302,819 community services. Programs included blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, mammography testing, comprehensive physicals, community fairs, CPR classes, speakers, and worksite visits. Behind each community benefit number is a person – someone in need of a lifesaving procedure, a listening ear, a comforting touch, and an understanding nod. Through community benefits programs, suffering is prevented or alleviated, health is restored and spirits are renewed.

“Healthcare in West Virginia is evolving and our hospitals are committed to being part of the progress to keep West Virginia Open for Business,” Summer said. “As we all work to put the state on the path of meaningful and thoughtful healthcare delivery, during National Hospital Week and every week for that matter, we should not lose sight of the more than 36,000 compassionate caregivers celebrating new life and restoring hope and health in hospitals.”

The WVHA is a not-for-profit statewide organization representing 72 acute and specialty hospitals and health systems across the continuum of care. The WVHA supports its members in achieving a strong, healthy West Virginia by providing leadership in healthcare advocacy, education, information and technical assistance, and by being a catalyst for effective change through collaboration, consensus building and a focus on desired outcomes.