This week the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recognizes National Nurses Week, a time to show gratitude and appreciation for the commitment made by public health nurses in caring for patients, fighting disease and keeping our state healthy.

"The hard work and dedication of our public health nurses make a huge impact on the health of our state," said State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson. "These nurses work day in and day out providing population-based health services including epidemiological investigation, disaster response and disease prevention through testing and immunizations."

MSDH employs more than 400 public health nurses who work on the front lines fighting diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. During this year's legislative session MSDH received funding for 75 additional public health nursing positions. Public health nurses help fight disease by working in the county clinics, administering vaccinations and tracking patients' cases.

"Funding of frontline positions, including public health nurses, is crucial in controlling the spread of communicable diseases," said Dr. Thompson. "Ideally we'd like to have even more nursing positions available to fill. It continues to be a critical need."

Nationwide, there are 2.9 million registered nurses (RNs) in the workforce today, representing the field with the largest projected job growth through 2012.

National Nurses Week began in 1954. The week begins annually on May 6, RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession.

Receive latest health news from MSDH by e-mail: subscribe today
Press Contact: Liz Sharlot, Carol Jones or Elizabeth Grey, (601) 576-7667.