Health Unit Coordinators Day

Health Unit Coordinators Day is dedicated to the coordinators of medical institutions who improve the quality of our lives. It is during the last week of August, and it is a time to thank these professionals for their hard work and dedication.

History

In 1977, Myrna Lafleur conducted a nationwide survey and found that there were 52 official medical unit coordinator programs in the US. She noticed that these people were interested in creating their own national association. In 1980, she initiated a general meeting in Phoenix, scheduled for August 23, 1980, to gather these health workers. They drafted a charter and became the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC), and the date of their meeting became their professional holiday.

Interesting facts

• The profession of a health unit coordinator emerged during World War II. Before that, nurses were responsible for administrative matters in hospitals. With many doctors away on the front lines, nurses had to take on more responsibilities, leading to a need for people specifically trained to handle these tasks.
• Health Unit Coordinators Day used to be on August 23, but since 2017 it has been during the last week of the month.

How to take part

Celebrate Health Unit Coordinators Day by showing gratitude to the coordinators of medical institutions. You can send them a congratulations if you know one personally, congratulate coordinators at the clinic you visit, or spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #nahuc.

When is Health Unit Coordinators Day in 2024?

Health Unit Coordinators Day is observed on August 23 each year.

Observations