Bunnell, Fla. - Now, more than ever and particularly in the face of a global pandemic, nurses demonstrate a passion and commitment to care for others in their greatest times of need. They are the compassionate faces at the bedside and the healing hands that work tirelessly to ensure that each patient, adult or child, receives safe, quality health care.

From May 6 through May 12, the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County (DOH-Flagler) joins thousands of organizations across the country in celebrating National Nurses Week.

From assisting with life-threatening ER crises to delivering babies and caring for the elderly in their last moments, nurses perform some of the most difficult and heartbreaking tasks in the medical world. National Nurses Week honors their contributions and sacrifices and reminds us to appreciate the medical professionals who help us keep healthy. It is celebrated between May 6, National Nurses Day, and May 12, the birthdate of celebrated nurse Florence Nightingale.

"I am grateful to work with an outstanding team of public health nurses who provide valuable services to Flagler County residents every day," said Bob Snyder, Flagler County Health Department Health Officer. "Led by our nursing director Bonnie Welter, our nurses take great pride in their work by demonstrating care and compassion for Flagler County residents. I am proud to be associated with them and ask everyone to join me by honoring the nurses practicing in Flagler County."

In the public health setting, nurses work in clinics to provide immunizations, conduct testing for diseases and infections, help people manage chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma and inspire patients to lead healthier lives. In Flagler County, DOH nurses also focus on women's health and prenatal services; immunizations for children and adults; communicable disease monitoring treatment and case management (including HIV); diabetes prevention and management; and coordination of school health services.

According to Snyder, the nursing department's focus recently shifted from public health to the local emergency response to COVID-19.

"Everyone, including our nursing staff, has been pulling double duty to respond to this crisis," he explained. "We've repurposed and cross-trained employees to help with testing and contact tracing, while we've also secured retired and furloughed nurses as volunteers to monitor positive cases and visit congregate care facilities. Since we are touching base with all 71 of these facilities in our community, we also have near-term assistance from infection protection strike teams from all over the country. These volunteers and our staff are playing critical roles in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Flagler County. We owe them our gratitude."

For the 18th year in a row, the Gallup Poll found that Americans rated nurses as the most trusted, honest and ethical professionals. For more information about becoming a nurse in the State of Florida visit https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-florida.html.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

For information about the local health department, go to flagler.floridahealth.gov, call 386-437-7350, or visit 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell.