January and February have been action-packed months here at Onslow Memorial Hospital. The reason, to a large extent, is due to a very serious flu season accompanied by other flu-like illnesses that have wreaked havoc here at home and across the country. The entire nation is reeling from this flu epidemic, which is causing national shortages of supplies and medicines.

We have seen record numbers of patients in the Emergency Department and throughout the hospital. Despite these challenges, I've witnessed our staff, physicians, and volunteers honor their calling to serve in healthcare, day after day. I was in awe of the many employees who offered to switch gears and go to different departments to assist wherever there was a need. For some, this meant changing from day shift to night shift, or missing meals with family, or postponing a vacation day.

The sacrifices made to care for our patients were many, and representative of the passion that you all bring to work everyday. I know that healthcare is a calling for all of you. It's more than a profession - it's your passion. Keep up the amazing work!