DEMOPOLIS &8212; Next week Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital will join other healthcare facilities around the country in celebrating National Hospital Month.

Mike Marshall, CEO and administrator, said the week is just one way Tombigbee Healthcare Authority can take time out to show appreciation for their employees.

Marshall said the collective facilities of THA &8212; BWWMH, BWWMH Home Health Authority, Tombigbee Emergency Medical Services, the Grants, Research and Outreach of West Alabama and the sleep clinic &8212; results in approximately $70 million economic impact to the area.

For the last several years, the hospital has seen tremendous growth, Marshall said, due in no small part to their employees.

According to Chrissy Brooker, public relations and marketing director, the week is highlighted by an ice cream social, presentation of service awards, a health fair and a picnic on Friday.

The first National Hospital Day was celebrated on May 12, 1921 &8212; Florence Nightingale&8217;s birthday. It was not until 1953 that the event expanded to National Hospital Week.

Statistics show U.S. hospitals admit almost 37 million patients each year, treat another 117 million in emergency departments and see another 545 million for other outpatient needs. On any given day, 658,000 patients fill hospital beds across the country.