Usually a week in May is set aside to celebrate healthcare workers. This year the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma has decided to celebrate the entire month of May.

The theme this year is, “Where Healing Happens Everyday- Amazing Healthcare.” Numerous events have been planned for the staff of MCSO, including a talent show, theme days, health screenings, treats and prizes. In addition, National Nurses week is May 6-12 and MCSO will be celebrating Nurses Day Thursday.

MCSO employees met in the front lobby of the hospital Friday morning to welcome City Manager James Dunegan and Durant Industrial Authority Executive Director Tommy Kramer. They were there to help the hospital’s employees celebrate hospital month by holding a ceremonial kick off day meeting.

The nation’s most traditional healthcare event unites hospitals, healthcare workers and communities from coast to coast, building enthusiasm and pride in the giving nature of care. According to the American Hospital Association’s Hospital Statistics, nearly 6,000 hospitals and more than five million dedicated staff members serve as beacons of hope in their communities.

The first hospital on American soil was built in Philadelphia in 1751 at the urging of Benjamin Franklin. The flu outbreak of 1918 would become the deadliest epidemic in American history. Over the course of the year, the “Spanish flu” would kill more than 600,000 Americans. It changed everyday life. Cities like San Francisco mandated the wearing of face masks and made it illegal for citizens to remove them in public. In October alone, 195,000 American’s died.

The climate of fear and fatalism captured the attention of a Chicago magazine editor in 1921. In a column, the editor proposed an idea: He called for hospitals to open their doors to the public for just one day, and for the public to come inside and see the modern advances that he turned these long-dreaded halls into impressive care centers.

On May 12, 1921, America celebrated its first National Hospital Day. It provided a window of opportunity for hospitals to capture the trust of their communities. The event spread across the country and was expanded to National Hospital Week in 1953. Today, the annual celebration continues to be held during the week of the legendary nurse’s birthday, Florence Nightingale.

The Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma is doing just that, providing a window of opportunity for the Durant community. The employees will be participating in different events throughout the month including massages, college and baseball day by wearing their favorite shirts, a Board of Trustees appreciation day, Hawaiian day, healthcare screenings, and arts and crafts.

During the ceremonial kick off day meeting, MCSO Chief Executive Director, Jackie Harms, talked about hospital month and also about the upcoming expansion of the hospital. MCSO is expanding to meet the health care needs of all the patients that they serve. The plans include expansion of the progressive care unit, the surgery department, first floor expansion, medical/surgery expansions, and also second and third floors expansions as well.

Hospital month is held the whole month of May. The events are held to celebrate and honor the health care workers serving the community. The Medical Center of Oklahoma plans to do so by delivering “Amazing Healthcare” to the citizens and by celebrating the month.