Centra Southside Community Hospital (CSCH) says a hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, but is part of the community that fosters health and represents hope.

According to a Centra press release, from providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community.

“That’s the message organizers are touting with the 2017 National Hospital Week theme ‘The Healing Heart of Health Care,’” Centra officials said in the release. “The event theme, announced this week, is the centerpiece of a promotional campaign aimed at uniting health care facilities across the country during the May 7-13 celebration.”

“National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of our most valuable resource, our employees,” Tom Angelo, CSCH CEO, said in the press release. “We’re extremely proud of each member of our Centra family and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our communities.”

According to the release, the nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when a magazine editor suggested a communitywide celebration in hopes of alleviating public fears about hospitals.

“The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country,” officials said. “A full slate of activities for employees and volunteers is planned … including a picnic, health fair, a blessing of the hands ceremony and an ice cream social.”