This year, to celebrate National Doctors’ Day, Northwest Health found a unique way to thank the providers who serve our community. In lieu of gifts, Northwest Health is honoring its medical staff by donating to several local charities. “We want to say a big thank you to all of our medical staff,” said Chris York, Market CEO of Northwest Health. “We are blessed to have them and want to acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, skills and unwavering care to the thousands of lives we touch each year.”

The following organizations will receive a donation on behalf of physicians from Northwest Health:

 Angels on Ice – $1,500

 Community Clinic – $3,500

Angels on Ice is a local program that helps get medical staff to and from hospitals during inclement weather. Community Clinic is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides medical and dental services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay by offering a sliding scale fee discount.

The history of Doctors’ Day The history of Doctors’ Day goes back to 1933 in Winder, Ga., where a physician’s wife decided to set aside a day to honor all doctors. The first observance included mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is used as the symbolic flower for Doctors’ Day.

In 1958, the House of Representatives made a resolution commemorating Doctors’ Day. Then in 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national day for doctors. Following overwhelming approval, the Senate and House designated March 30 as National Doctors’ Day.

“On this Doctors’ Day, please join us in reaching out to the physicians you know to say thank you for all they do,” York said.

About Northwest Health

Northwest Health is the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas with five hospitals: Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center – Springdale, Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. The system has 487 beds, a combined medical staff of more than 900 physicians and more than 2,400 employees working together to provide quality healthcare for the region. The system also includes two 24/7 standalone emergency departments, Northwest Health Emergency Department Fayetteville and Northwest Health Emergency Department Bentonville. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.