(May 8, 2026) – National Hospital Week runs from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16. This year's theme, Healing Happens Here, recognizes the amazing people who work in hospitals and health systems. The Kansas Hospital Association and the American Hospital Association encourage all Kansas communities to join the celebration by showing support and gratitude for all our health care workers who strive to save lives every day.
National Hospital Day began in 1921 to inspire community members to support hospitals following the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak. Renamed National Hospital Week in 1953, the observance is celebrated annually during the week of Florence Nightingale's birthday, May 12. The observance highlights the many people who staff our hospitals and health systems, often sacrificing time with their families on evenings, weekends and holidays to care for those in need. We encourage the public to find unique ways to show support for their local hospital.
Check out the following resources to help members promote National Hospital Week.
It is always refreshing to see and learn about the activities Kansas hospitals are undertaking with their teams during hospital week. We encourage hospitals to use the hashtags #HospitalWeek, #HealingHappensHere and #KansasHospitals in their social posts. KHA staff looks forward to seeing the photos and will highlight what Kansas hospitals and health systems are doing to celebrate health care workers and the innovative ways you are supporting and connecting with the communities you serve.
Have a great Hospital Week, and let our team know if you need any additional resources!
--Chad Austin