[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONROE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of serving on the board 
of trustees for the Monroe Regional Medical Center in my hometown of 
Ocala, Florida. It is an honor for me this morning to take the floor to 
recognize the 100th anniversary of this wonderful hospital.
  In 1898, the Marion Surgical Hospital was organized into two rooms on 
the third floor of an office building in Ocala, Florida. Since then, 
the hospital has been in different locations under different names but 
its mission has remained constant, serving the medical needs of those 
within the community.
  We are proud that our hospital provides care for patients without 
regard to race, religion, national origin or financial status. The 
Monroe Regional Medical Center has changed dramatically from its modest 
beginnings. It is now a modern 323-bed, acute-care facility. This is a 
not-for-profit hospital. It is owned and supported by our community.
  I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to the fourth oldest 
hospital in the State of Florida for 100 years of service. 
Congratulations.

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