[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNER

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, the week of May 9, 1999 is 
National Hospital Week, when communities across the country celebrate 
the people that make hospitals the special places they are. This year's 
theme 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 of 
Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, California. The program won the 
American Hospital Association's prestigious Hospital Award for 
Volunteer Excellence for 1999, which highlights special contributions 
of hospital volunteers.
  The Sexual Assault Response Service is a team of hospital volunteers 
that offers 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 to 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. President, I want to congratulate Antelope Valley Hospital for 
this award-winning effort and for their generous contributions to their 
community.

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