BANGOR – Officials at Community Health and Counseling Services said they were proud to join the American Nurses Association in observing National Nurses Week May 6-12.

In conjunction with this observance, Bangor Mayor Dan Tremble will present a proclamation in honor of National Nurses Week during a special coffee for CHCS home health staff at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 6, at the agency’s Bangor office at 42 Cedar St.

CHCS employs 87 staff – including nurses, therapists, therapist assistants, social workers, home health aides and homemakers – in its Home Health and Hospice offices throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties.

These dedicated professionals provide services to Maine residents of all ages in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

In many cases home health care can be a welcome alternative, emotionally and economically, to institutional care. Bringing skilled nursing and other health services intermittently to the patient at home may shorten a hospital stay or substitute for full-time residence in a nursing or convalescent home.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to meet the expanding health care needs of American society. CHCS’ observance of this week also highlights the significant impact all home health and hospice professionals bring to those individuals within the community that they serve with dedication and selflessness.

“I would like to applaud and thank CHCS staff,” said Helen Burlock, director of CHCS Home Health and Hospice. “Without the constant skilled care and compassion of CHCS home health nurses, therapists, social workers, home health aides and support staff, many individuals in Maine would not receive the quality home care they desperately need and deserve.”

In honor of the dedication, commitment and tireless effort of all those individuals providing health care services, CHCS recognizes home health and hospice professionals everywhere for the quality work they provide seven days a week, 365 days a year.