[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SUSAN REHRER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I congratulate Ms. Susan Rehrer as she retires after 21 years of 
dedicated service to the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Northwest 
Indiana. A retirement celebration will be held for her on Tuesday, 
March 6, 2001 at the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in 
Munster, Indiana.
  As Executive Director of the VNA for the past 13 years, Susan has 
been directly responsible for the management and administration of the 
agency's programs and services. She has been instrumental in leading 
the VNA through many different changes, including industry upheaval, 
market influx, new innovative programming and financial viability. 
Through her diligence the VNA has not only survived through these 
difficult changes, but it has thrived in the midst of the industry's 
transition.
  Susan's leadership helped to successfully develop the Critical 
Pathways program. This program is an individualized patient care plan 
which relies on precise, detail-oriented information. It has 
revolutionized the industry by allowing each patient to receive the 
care needed. Susan is extremely proud of the development of this 
program, and her hard work has helped to ensure its success.
  During her years at the VNA, Susan has demonstrated a sincere love 
for the community in which she lives. In addition to improving the 
lives of others through her professional career, she has also 
volunteered her time to champion many causes aimed at bringing comfort 
to those in need of assistance. She has played an active role in the 
Healthy Start program, a community-based infant mortality reduction 
plan employed in many areas of Northwest Indiana and throughout the 
country. Susan is also involved in the Healthy East Chicago program, 
designed to mobilize individuals and resources to promote a healthy 
community.
  For all of her conscientious efforts, both professionally and 
voluntarily, Susan has been recognized by her peers. She has earned 
numerous state and national awards for excellence in the health care 
industry. Her dedication to the VNA movement and home health care in 
Indiana has been extraordinary. She is a true believer in the 
industry's importance and its ability to improve the lives of those who 
otherwise would live in discomfort.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Susan Rehrer for her 21 years 
of service to the Visiting Nurse Association, and the last 13 years as 
the Executive Director. Susan has shown impeccable leadership abilities 
as well as an undying love for her community. The people of Northwest 
Indiana will surely miss her enthusiasm, but we thank her for her years 
of service and wish her happiness in her well-deserved retirement.

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