National Hospital Week

Each year in May, our nation sets aside a moment to celebrate National Hospital Week. The national theme this year is “Health Care from the Heart” – which is something that the employees at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center do very well every day of the year. Please join in thanking the dedicated professionals who stand ready to care for friends, neighbors and visitors at all hours of every day. “I am proud to say that our staff provides care from the heart all the time,” said Mo Sheldon, CEO of OMHC.

A hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. Hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. National Hospital Week is a celebration of people. Many professions are represented at OMHC: nursing, nurse aides, physical/occupational/speech therapies, radiology, laboratory, housekeeping, food service, laundry, accounting, admitting, physicians and other providers, medical assistants, emergency medical technicians, maintenance and various other support personnel who make patient service possible. Thanks to each and every one!

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 public is encouraged during this week to recognize those who serve in your local hospital.

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center wishes to remind the community that many services are provided through the medical center. Emergency Services, inpatient hospital services and long-term care services (both nursing home style and assisted living) are widely familiar to local residents. Keep in mind that OMHC also provides rehabilitation services (physical, speech and occupational therapy) on both an inpatient basis after surgeries or extended illness and for outpatients. Additionally, OMHC is glad to provide medication infusions, blood transfusions and similar services on an outpatient basis. In many cases, there is no need to travel long distances for treatment. You can contact Megan Shepard, RN, Director of Clinic Services (509) 982-2611 with questions about infusions and other available hospital services.