Forrest County Supervisors Honor Forrest General Nurses with Proclamation During Nurses Week

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (May 8, 2024) The Forrest County Board of Supervisors recognized nurses at Forrest General Hospital during Nurses Week with a proclamation acknowledging their efforts. The proclamation was presented on Wednesday, May 8, by Board President, Terri Bell, and District 3 Supervisor, Steve Stringer. Hospitals nationwide are celebrating Nurses Week, May 6-12.

A representation of nurses from different areas throughout the hospital gathered in front of the hospital for presentation of the proclamation. Members of the administration, directors, and managers were on hand to applaud these hard-working members of the staff, who are among many who on a daily basis work to fulfill Forrest Health’s mission to “do what is best for the patient.”

Bell spoke about the history of Nurses Week surrounding the birthday of Florence Nightingale who revolutionized nursing. “All of you really make a difference,” she said to those gathered in front of the hospital. “As Florence Nightingale carried her light around in the evening to check on patients, all of you are the light and are actually shining it. You do make an impact, not just on the patient, but on the patient’s family. I can’t thank you enough for all that you do for our community. You are a great group, and we appreciate all of you. The Board of Supervisors, Steve Stringer (District 3), and myself, wanted to come and present this proclamation to you today, recognizing May 6-12 as Nurse Appreciation Week in Forrest County.”

In the proclamation, Bell noted that nurses serve as advocates, healers, educators, and innovators, playing a pivotal role in promoting health, preventing illness, and providing comfort to those in need. Nurses exhibit extraordinary skill and knowledge, continuously striving for excellence in their profession through lifelong learning and professional development. They demonstrate courage, compassion, dedication, and leadership in caring for our impacted community at great risk and personal sacrifice.

“I call on all citizens to join me in expressing gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of nurses to our health and well-being,” Bell said. “Let us celebrate their dedication, honor their achievement, and recognize their indispensable role in shaping a healthier, brighter future for all.”

Phyllis Chambers-Berry, Forrest Health vice president, thanked the supervisors for coming out and recognizing the nursing staff. “We are grateful to you. We are appreciative of the support of our county leaders,” said Chambers-Berry. “These are the faces you will see when you come into this facility. To know that we are in a job of service and that we continue to serve the community here in Forrest County and to have the Board of Supervisors come out and honor the nurses who work hard to provide great patient care is overwhelming.”

The theme for Nurses this year’s “Nurses Make the Difference,” helping others see the heart that nurses bring to their hospitals and patients every day. This week honors the nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.

In addition to President Bell’s visit, several celebrations are being held throughout the week, including a Blessing of the Hands sponsored by Pastoral Care, Walk a Day in Our Shoes, and the announcement of Nurses of the Year.

To learn more about a nursing career at Forrest Health, visit joinforresthealth.org.

About Forrest Health:

Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.