[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 60 (Friday, May 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              NURSES MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the services and 
benefits provided to the island by the members of the nursing 
profession, Guam has designated the month of May 2001 as ``Nurses 
Month.'' This proclamation has added significance for it coincides with 
the golden anniversary of the Guam Nurses Association (GNA).
  Incorporated in 1951, GNA will mark the fiftieth year of the 
organization's existence on July 20 of this year. Isabella Tremor, 
Maria C. Flores, Joaquina Siguenza, Maria S.N. Mateo, and Maria P. 
Blas, the first to serve as directors of the fledgling organization, 
were all employees of the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH). In addition to 
nurses from the local mental health facility and the Naval Hospital, 
GNA membership today include nurses from the Guam Department of Public 
Health and Social Services, the Guam Department of Education, the 
University of Guam, the Guam Community College, home care services, 
private clinics, and long term care facilities. GNA membership also 
includes a number of retired nurses, nurses working in non-health care 
areas, and nurses residing outside of Guam.
  A reorganization in 1968 led to GNA's entry as a constituent member 
of the American Nurses Association (ANA). Its first delegate, 
Mabelclare Norman Dean of the School of Nursing College of Guam, 
attended ANA's 1968 convention in Dallas, Texas on behalf of the 
association's officers and members. Sister M. LeClare served as the 
first president of the reorganized GNA. Luz Abdece was vice-president, 
Veronica Camacho served as secretary and Connie Tolentino was named as 
Treasurer. This year, GNA marks its thirty-third year of affiliation 
with the ANA.
  A charter member of the American Pacific Nursing Leaders Council 
(APLNC), GNA holds the distinction of having two of its members, Sally 
Tsuda and Mary Sanchez, as APLNC founding members. Founded in June 1978 
in Hawaii, APLNC is another organization with which GNA retains 
affiliations and, for the past 22 years, actively supported.
  In its fifty years of existence, GNA has evolved from a small 
congregation of local nurses to a professional organization which has 
gained both regional and national recognition. The association has 
worked to benefit not only its members but all who work in the health 
care profession and the people they serve. GNA has played a large role 
in maintaining the quality of healthcare on Guam. The association 
continually strives towards a bright future for the nursing profession 
on Guam.
  As we celebrate ``Nurses Month,'' we must take a moment to reflect 
upon the services provided by the people dedicated to the nursing 
profession. While the demand for nursing services continually increase 
nationwide, we look upon organizations such as GNA to provide the 
necessary guidance and direction that will enable us to cope with the 
needs and, hopefully, prevent future problems on our island of Guam.
  I congratulate the members, officers and board of directors of the 
Guam Nurses Association as they celebrate their golden anniversary. I 
would like to submit for the Record the names of the GNA's golden 
anniversary officers and board of directors.
  Guam Nurses Association, 2001 Officers and Board of Directors: Rosita 
Yamashita, President; Dave Hendricks, Vice-President; Rosette Rama, 
Rec. Secretary; Rosalia Ligon, Treasurer/Director at Large; Tina Blas, 
Corr. Secretary; Glynis Almonte, Executive Director.
  Directors at Large: Mary Ann Gozum, Andrea Fung, Lou Leon Guerrero, 
Jo Ann Toves.
  Standing Committee Chairpersons: Lori Duenas (ByLaws), Perla DeLuna 
(Finance), Echie Macalino (Membership), Tina Blas (Newsletter), Lou 
Leon Guerrero (Program), Tina Blas (Annual Nurses' Celebration), Dave 
Hendricks (Recognition and Awards), Cecelia Santos (CNet), Ruth 
Gurusamy (Commission on Nursing Leadership).

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