They go to work each day like soldiers in combat.

They know what they face but not how or if it may affect them personally.

They are the health care heroes on the front lines of today’s war on covid-19.

The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and SC Hospital Association encourage all of us to recognize our health care heroes during National Hospital Week.

Our hospitals such as Lexington Medical Center, its urgent care centers and physician offices continue to respond to the pandemic.

Their skilled staff and health care professionals are working tirelessly to prevent the spread of the virus while providing critical care to patients.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how we’ve handled our response to the covid-19 pandemic, collaborating with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and supporting each other and our community,” said Tod Augsburger, President of Lexington Medical Center.

“Hospital Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of these physicians, clinicians and staff and show our appreciation for all they do every day to keep us safe and healthy.”

“DHEC thanks all of our hospitals and the hundreds of staff at each for their sacrifices and life-saving work,” said DHEC Director Rick Toomey.

“Covid-19 has affected every hospital and healthcare system in the state, and our hospitals and healthcare professionals continue to prove how incredibly skilled, efficient and compassionate they are.”

The SCHA is deploying a “Health Care Heroes Truck” to visit hospitals and share messages of appreciation.

“Frontline healthcare workers in South Carolina’s hospitals are the true heroes of covid-19,” said Thornton Kirby, SCHA President.