For Immediate Release: Friday, May 8, 2026
Contact: Leah Smith, General Counsel, Vice President for Policy & Advocacy
lsmith@mhanet.org / (769) 232-1481
Governor Reeves, Lt. Governor Hosemann & Speaker White Issue Proclamations at MHA’s Request Recognizing ‘Hospital Week’
Madison, Miss.— In recognition of the vital role hospitals and health care professionals play in the well-being of Mississippians, state leaders have officially proclaimed May 10–16, 2026, as “Hospital Week” in Mississippi. Proclamations issued at the Mississippi Hospital Association’s (MHA) request by Governor Tate Reeves, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jason White are attached.
“Mississippi’s hospitals are the backbone of our health care system, providing essential services and compassionate care to our citizens,” said Richard Roberson, MHA President and CEO. “During Hospital Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering commitment of our state’s hospitals — and the physicians, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, therapists, food service workers, administrators, volunteers, and many other devoted professionals — who work tirelessly to improve the health of our state. We are grateful to our legislative leaders for supporting our hospitals across the state.”
Mississippi hospitals directly employ nearly 50,000 people and support more than 100,000 additional jobs across the state, serving as powerful economic engines that strengthen communities large and small. Each year, Mississippi hospitals deliver lifesaving care during more than 1.7 million emergency department visits, while also providing care for more than 320,000 inpatient admissions and 4.6 million outpatient encounters.
National Hospital Week, observed for more than 100 years, began as National Hospital Day on May 12—Florence Nightingale’s birthday—in 1921. It expanded to a full week in 1953. Nightingale is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Throughout the week, Mississippi hospitals will host staff appreciation events, health fairs, community outreach programs, and educational seminars.
MHA has partnered with the American Hospital Association and state and metropolitan hospital associations nationwide to encourage widespread participation. This year’s National Hospital Week theme is “Healing Happens Here,” and the public is invited to share stories and expressions of gratitude using the hashtags #HospitalWeek and #HealingHappensHere.
For more information on National Hospital Week, visit the American Hospital Association at https://www.aha.org/ahia/get-involved/national-hospital-week. For more information about MHA, visit www.mhanet.org.
###
About the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA)
Founded in 1931, the Mississippi Hospital Association is the statewide trade organization dedicated to effectively serving the health care needs of Mississippi through serving those who serve us all—our state’s hospitals and their employees. For more information about MHA, visit www.mhanet.org.