National Grateful Patient Day is an annual observance dedicated to expressing gratitude towards healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support systems while celebrating the resilience of patients.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 7th annually
- Tagged as: Healthcare Appreciation Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #GratefulPatient
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: Rolf Benirschke, former NFL player
History
The day emerged from Rolf Benirschke’s personal journey through serious health challenges. After facing life-threatening ulcerative colitis during his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, he founded the Grateful Patient Project to create a platform where patients could share their stories and express gratitude to their healthcare providers.
Timeline
- 1979: Benirschke collapses from ulcerative colitis
- 1980: Makes remarkable return to NFL
- 1986: Retires from professional football
- 2017: Establishes National Grateful Patient Day
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sept 7 | Sunday |
| 2026 | Sept 7 | Monday |
| 2027 | Sept 7 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | Sept 7 | Thursday |
| 2029 | Sept 7 | Friday |
Observed
The day is celebrated through various activities including thanking healthcare workers, sharing patient stories, making donations to medical organizations, and raising awareness through social media campaigns.
Fun Facts About
- The day promotes both gratitude and patient advocacy
- It helps build stronger patient-caregiver relationships
- Many hospitals have “Guardian Angel” programs
- The celebration spans across multiple countries
Quiz
- Who founded National Grateful Patient Day?
- In which year was it established?
- What NFL team did the founder play for?
(Answers: 1. Rolf Benirschke, 2. 2017, 3. San Diego Chargers)
FAQs
- Can anyone participate in the celebration?
Yes, anyone can participate by showing appreciation to healthcare workers. - How can I celebrate?
Share your story, thank a healthcare worker, or make a donation to healthcare organizations.
Importance of National Grateful Patient Day
This day strengthens the bond between patients and healthcare providers while promoting positive patient experiences and better healthcare outcomes.
Related
- National Doctors’ Day
- National Nurses Day
- Healthcare Worker Appreciation Day
- World Patient Safety Day
- Medical Professionals Day