SOUTH DAKOTA(Press Release)- This week, Avera celebrates all employees who work within its facilities, including clinics, hospitals, senior living centers and more.

Several observances coincide with this celebration, including National Nurses Week May 6-12 and National Hospital Week and National Skilled Nursing Care Week, which both fall on May 12-18 this year.

“‘Celebrating YOU’ – captures these important observances, yet goes beyond to include the bigger picture,” said Jim Dover, FACHE, President and CEO of Avera Health. “We hope that each and every employee feels celebrated and appreciated. We could not deliver top quality services without talented caregivers, plus all those who support them with all the essential functions of a health care system.”

Avera has 20,800 employees in 315 locations in 100 communities across five states in the Upper Midwest. The Avera footprint covers 72,000 square miles and includes a full continuum of care: hospitals, clinics, senior care, at-home and hospice care, telemedicine, sports and fitness centers, home medical equipment and more.

“Whether our employees provide direct patient care or serve in a supportive role, they contribute to the excellent health care provided at Avera,” Dover said.

Caregivers have varied roles that include physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, technician, technologist, certified nursing assistant, therapist, educator, case manager, social worker, counselor and more.

Each day, Avera employees deliver care that saves lives and improves quality of life for many. “Our employees set Avera apart as a health care organization. So many of our employees see their day-to-day work as a calling. Collectively, all 20,800 employees make a tremendous impact on the communities we serve,” Dover said.