It's an opportunity to recognize hard working medical professionals who put the care of the community in their hands every day. This week is known as National Hospital Week, and several hospitals are hosting events as part of the nation's largest health care event. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

UNITED STATES -- Whether it's performing surgery, delivering a baby, or treating an injury, health care professionals at local hospitals are there for us when we need them the most. This week is a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to a medical professional.

Locally, at St. Joseph's in Syracuse, a number of health care activities are being held for employees this week. Employees can get a free lunch, participate in exercise activities like yoga and Zumba, and even get some ice cream.

It's also an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to someone you know who may work in a hospital. The American Hospital Association reports the first National Hospital Day was held on Florence Nightingale's birthday in 1921.

The one day event was later extended to a week and serves as a reminder that hospitals help people in every community from all walks of life.

"You know hospitals are 24/7, seven days a week operations, so I think it is both fun and necessary to take some time to set aside a week and celebrate that activity," said Frank Panzetta, St. Joseph's Human Resources Director.

Today, every state in the country celebrates National Hospital Week which is sponsored by the American Hospital Association. This week is also is recognized as National Nurses Week.

If you'd like to learn more about National Hospital Week, visit www.nationalhospitalweek.com or www.aha.org.