As the kick-off to national Nurses Week, Regions Hospital will host the Hmong Secret War Nurse Exhibition from May 6–22. Regions is the first hospital in the U.S. to feature the national exhibit, which honors the Hmong women who served as nurses during the “U.S. Secret War” in Laos and highlights their lasting legacy in healthcare and community leadership.

A grand opening for the exhibit will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at 1:30 p.m. at Regions. The event will feature brief remarks from St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, along with leaders and nurses connected to the exhibition and its history.

The Hmong Secret War Nurse Exhibition tells the stories of Hmong nurses who provided lifesaving care under extraordinary conditions during the Secret War, a covert operation that took place in Laos during the Vietnam War. Their courage, resilience and commitment to caring for others continue to inspire generations of nurses and healthcare professionals today.

“Hosting this exhibit at Regions Hospital is both an honor and an opportunity to recognize an important part of history that is often untold,” said Xiongmee Chang, nurse manager at Regions and a board member of the Hmong Nurses Association. “I see these nurses as the Hmong Florence Nightingales, and their legacy continues to shape who we are and how we serve our communities.”

The exhibit also highlights connections between the legacy of Hmong nurses, mentorship in nursing and the strong presence of the Hmong community in the Twin Cities. By hosting the exhibit, Regions aims to create space for reflection, learning and dialogue for patients, visitors and care teams.

Media are invited to attend the grand opening and connect with voices behind the exhibit, including:

• Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul
• Xiongmee Chang, nurse manager at Regions and board member of the Hmong Nurses Association

The Hmong Secret War Nurse Exhibition will be on display at Regions from May 6 through May 22.