Courtesy Photo by MyMichigan Health From left to right, Ann Diamond, MyMichigan Health Foundation development director, Wendy Servia, Business Relations Committee member, and Vicki McCoy, Business Relations Committee member, sort through Business Honor Roll signs that are displayed outside of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

ALPENA — MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena celebrates National Hospital Week by not only honoring hospital staff but also highlighting volunteers, board members, and donors.

According to a press release from MyMichigan Health, the Midland-based nonprofit that owns the Alpena hospital, National Hospital Week was established in 1940 and occurs in the second week of May.

Ann Diamond, development director of the MyMichigan Health Foundation, explained in the press release that National Hospital Week celebrates the importance of hospitals and the 7 million people who work at health care institutions in the United States.

“Although (National Hospital Week) is a time to reflect on how indispensable and connected our healthcare providers, administrators and other workers truly are, we would also like to highlight the hundreds of volunteers, board members and donors at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena,” Diamond said in the press release. “Without them, our Medical Center would not be able to provide the level of care we are accustomed to today.”

Hunter Nostrant, president of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, said that the medical center is celebrating this year by recognizing all of its MyMichigan workers with a week of activities.

“MyMichigan Health is recognizing National Hospital Week with our own Health Care Week celebration that honors all those working at MyMichigan,” he said. “This year our theme is ‘Great for All Seasons,’ giving us the opportunity to nurture relationships with ourselves, coworkers, family, and friends. In fact, our Sunshine Committee has organized a week of enriching activities, each starting with a leadership video message every morning. From spring-training to fall-themed BINGO and sharing summer memories and comfort food gatherings, each day offers unique experiences. We’re encouraging all of our employees, volunteers and providers to participate while we honor our Purpose in Creating Healthy Communities–together.”

According to the press release, MyMichigan Health Foundation is committed to further fostering the relationship between MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and the community. To do this, the Alpena Development Council, a group of local volunteers, works to fundraise and network. The press release states that in conjunction with the MyMichigan Health Foundation and the Alpena Development Council, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena is able to connect with and build a stronger relationship with the community.

To celebrate National Hospital Week, the Business Relations Committee of the Alpena Development Council is displaying signs of the Business Honor Roll members on the highway-side of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, according to the press release. The Business Honor Roll is made up of local corporations and small businesses that support the medical center.

“We truly believe our community partners of donors, volunteers and Development Council and Board members are all very important,” Diamond said in the press release. “We are extremely proud of (MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena) and all that it has accomplished. As we show our gratitude to our donors, please take a look at the signs and do business with those that support our community.”

According to the press release, other ways to celebrate National Hospital Week include making a donation in honor of a health care worker or volunteer, writing a letter of gratitude, or thanking them in person for their hard work.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every member of our Development Council and the staff at the Medical Center, past and present, for all that they do,” Diamond said in the press release. “Their work is invaluable to our hospital and to our community. I couldn’t be more grateful to have the amazing team that we have here at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.”