Maria Parham Health Celebrates Hospital Week with Gratitude, Fun, and Festivities

Maria Parham Health (MPH) marked National Hospital Week from May 11 through May 17 with a week full of celebration, appreciation, and community spirit. The weeklong observance honored the dedicated healthcare workers who serve the region with compassion and excellence every day.

National Hospital Week, established by the American Hospital Association in 1921, is one of the nation’s largest healthcare celebrations. It was created to recognize hospitals and the people who make them run—physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, and many more. The observance serves as a reminder of the vital role hospitals play in the well-being of communities and the tireless dedication of those who work within them.

Maria Parham Health embraced the spirit of the week with themed activities that brought joy, camaraderie, and delicious food to the hospital team. The week kicked off on Monday with an Ice Cream Sundae Bar, where staff indulged in custom creations topped with all the sweet fixings. Food trucks also provided coffee and snacks to keep energy levels high.

Tuesday was Spread Kindness Day, a time for MPH family members to perform random acts of kindness for their colleagues, reinforcing a culture of support and connection. On Wednesday, Sweet Treats Day featured another round of food trucks and dessert-themed delights across the campus.

Thursday's theme, Throwback Thursday, brought a splash of nostalgia as team members donned attire from their favorite decades—most notably the vibrant styles of the ’70s and ’80s. The day’s main event was the Annual MPH Hospital Picnic, a staff favorite, where the hospital’s own Dietary Team catered a feast of burgers, chicken, ribs, and traditional Southern sides.

The celebration concluded on Friday with MPH Day, when staff proudly wore new 100th Anniversary t-shirts, a gift from the hospital in honor of its centennial year. Food trucks made a final appearance, capping off a week that was as heartfelt as it was festive.

Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health, expressed his gratitude for the team's unwavering commitment:
"Hospital Week is a time to step back and reflect on the extraordinary dedication our staff brings to their work every single day. At Maria Parham Health, our team is the heartbeat of this hospital, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way they care for our patients, our community, and each other. This week was just a small token of the appreciation they deserve."

As Maria Parham Health celebrates its 100th year of service, Hospital Week 2025 was a powerful reminder of the hospital’s enduring mission: to provide high-quality, compassionate care and to honor the people who make it possible.