[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 TRIBUTE TO SARATOGA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Saratoga 
Community Hospital. Saratoga is commemorating its 60th anniversary next 
Friday, October 14, 1994.
  Saratoga Community Hospital was founded by Dr. Ralph N. Tassie in a 
converted commercial building. Dr. Tassie's mission statement, ``No 
person in need of medical assistance should ever be turned away,'' 
remains proudly displayed in the lobby.
  The medical staff at Saratoga represent 33 medical specialties. They 
are known for their excellence in emergency care, physical 
rehabilitation, critical/intermediate care, diagnostic radiology and 
cardiology services, and senior services. With over 900 employees, 
Saratoga Community Hospital has become a world class medical facility.
  Over the past 60 years, Saratoga has grown from a 45-bed to a 198-bed 
medical and surgical acute care hospital. Originally known as Saratoga 
General Hospital, the name was changed in 1984 to reflect the 
commitment to strengthening the community. By including input from 
residents and business owners, and its growing involvement in programs 
outside the hospital, Saratoga is more effectively meeting the health 
needs of our entire community at all stages of life.
  Ultimately each individual must take responsibility for one's health. 
Saratoga is helping 2,500 people annually do so by providing over 50 
educational programs a year. They have established partnerships with 
two local schools and are in the process of creating a third. The 
people at Saratoga participate in approximately 20 health and career 
fairs annually and are actively involved in more than 40 community 
groups.
  Before a single patient enters the hospital, Saratoga is taking care 
of thousands of members of our community. With so many efforts to 
improve the health of residents, their commitment to caring for members 
of our community is truly commendable.
  Saratoga Community Hospital has served the people of metropolitan 
Detroit for 60 years. On the occasion of the hospital's diamond 
anniversary, I am pleased to pay tribute to Saratoga Community 
Hospital. I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting a valued 
resource in southeast Michigan as it prepares for the next 60 years of 
service.

                          ____________________