The Kansas Hospital Association invites communities to join area hospitals in celebrating National Hospital Week, May 12-18. This annual observance celebrates hospitals and the men and women who, day in and day out, support the health and wellbeing of their communities through hope and healing. Celebrated since 1921, National Hospital Week is a time dedicated to reinforcing the valuable contributions hospitals make in our communities, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
In recognition of National Hospital Week, the Memorial Health System (MHS) Employer of Choice Council is showing its appreciation to all the employees of MHS for being healthcare champions. The week includes activities for the employees such as puzzles/games, snacks, and a meal.
The 125 Kansas community hospitals provide vital health care services to our communities. Annually, Kansas hospitals staff nearly 9,000 beds; serve more than 315,000 inpatient visits; assist in more than 37,000 births; care for more than 8.2 million outpatient visits; and treat more than 1.2 million patients in Kansas emergency departments.
Not only do our hospitals serve thousands of individuals, keeping our communities healthy, strong and vibrant, hospitals also benefit the financial health of our state. In Kansas, hospitals employ more than 93,000 people or 4.7 percent of all job holders and generate $6.7 billion in direct total income. Kansas hospitals support the creation of additional jobs in other business and industry and have a total employment impact of approximately 177,500 jobs. For every one dollar of income generated in the hospital sector, another 59 cents is generated in other businesses and industries in the state’s economy; thus, having an estimated total impact on income throughout all business and industry of more than $10.7 billion.
Now more than ever, hospitals play a vital role in improving community health across the nation – this extends far beyond strictly providing medical care. National Hospital Week reinforces the essential role hospitals play in their community’s overall health. Take this year’s National Hospital Week as an opportunity to thank all of the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and so many more – for their contributions.
The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 222 member facilities, of which 125 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is Optimal Health for Kansas.