For Immediate Release
Contact:      Danielle Marie Flores
                  Marketing Director
                  830-769-5276

05/13/2008
Nationwide Message Promotes Significance of Healing

(Jourdanton, TX) – America's hospitals are positive, vital places that promote health and well being. That's the message health care facilities across the country are voicing as they celebrate National Hospital Week 2008.

"We want people to understand hospitals are all about healing," says Gerardo Flores, CNO. "Our focus is very positive. STR's physicians, nurses and staff have one mission and that's to help people get well."

For 2008, organizers have selected a united theme that emphasizes the healing process: "National Hospital Week—Where Healing Happens Every Day." At South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) over 330 employees will be honored throughout the week with various activities and gifts.

"Healthcare is a challenging field and it takes a dedicated and talented group of individuals to deliver the level of patient care needed," says Carrie Steinle, Human Resource Director. "We appreciate greatly the sacrifices that our employees and their families make at times because of their vocation. Their contribution to this community is tremendous."

Keeping healthcare in a positive light is part of the tradition of National Hospital Week, a celebration of care that dates back to 1921. That year, a magazine editor in Chicago suggested an annual "open house" for health care where a skeptical public could have see first hand the important work performed inside hospitals. The idea spread across the country and helped change the perception about hospitals from places of illness to places of healing. Today, National Hospital Week is the nation's largest health care celebration.

This year's event is planned for May 11-17, 2008. STRMC employee activities planned throughout the celebration include: a complimentary breakfast, ice cream social, hamburger cookout, salsa contest, decorate a cupcake day, and employee gift disbursement.

STRMC Staff gathers for a team photo to kick-off Hospital Week 2008 celebrations!

Someone kiss the cooks! Benjamin Colunga, Richard Bostel, Dennis Vyvlecka, and Mark Griego (not pictured) worked hard all Friday to serve up delicious hamburgers and hot-dogs to STR's employees.

Sweets for the sweetest staff in the county! Mike Pierce, CEO and Yolanda Benavides are caught decorating their cupcakes as a tasty treat on Monday to kick-off the festivities.

Hospital Week was the perfect opportunity to announce May's Employee of the Month honoree, Betty Calk (center) is pictured with Gerardo Flores, CNO and Carrie Steinle, HR Director.

Mary Maschek, Director of Clinic Operations, served Ruth Riojas and Geri Hill (pictured) and many other employees a delectable breakfast last Tuesday!