[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNITION OF ANTELOPE VALLEY HOSPITAL FOR THEIR AHA AWARD

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                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 1999

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Hospital Week. It is a 
time when communities across the country celebrate the people that make 
hospitals the special places they are. The theme for this year's 
commemoration sums it up nicely: ``People Care. Miracles Happen.'' It 
recognizes the health care workers, volunteers and other health 
professionals who are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, curing and 
caring, for their neighbors who need them.
  An example of this dedication is the Sexual Assault Response Service 
of Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, CA--which is in my district. 
This wonderful program won the American Hospital Association's 
prestigious Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence, which highlights 
special contributions of hospital volunteers.
  The Sexual Assault Response Service is a team of hospital volunteers 
that frees up hospital staff for other duties by offering specialized 
assistance to sexual assault victims, families, hospital personnel and 
law enforcement agencies. To meet the program's high standards, 
volunteers get more than 60 hours of training.
  Responding to a call from any area hospital emergency department, 
they provide support to victims while helping solicit histories, 
preparing evidence collection kits, assisting with medical and legal 
examinations, and overseeing the completion of state forms. Volunteers 
work with the district attorney's office throughout the court process 
and offer one-on-one counseling, a referral service, a lending library 
and community education.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Antelope Valley for this outstanding 
program and congratulate them for this prestigious award.

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