[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 108 (Monday, July 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE GRAND JUNCTION VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I would like 
to pay tribute to the Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center 
for receiving the 2001 President's Quality Award that highlights 
continued improvement and management of high caliber care to veterans 
who so diligently served our Nation.
  This facility serves all veterans in an area of 50,000 square miles 
and 17 counties in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. With the 
overarching goal of being ``the preferred health care system for all 
veterans,'' the Medical Center constantly strives to improve itself and 
help those in need of their services. The President's Quality Award 
highlights the Center's integration of their innovative management 
techniques, outstanding dedication to customer service and dynamic 
performance that will enhance the Center's capabilities in the new 
century. The Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center has 
implemented a ``virtual circle of care'' policy that involves every 
patient, and this program has inspired similar programs around the 
country. Not satisfied with just internal improvements, the Center has 
added new community outreach efforts that seek to build upon their 
primary, specialty and extended care. All of these continued efforts 
have resulted in consistently higher scores in patient care and 
satisfaction from the Department of Veterans Affairs and from external 
agencies and hospitals.
  The Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center truly is an 
exemplary model of the care that our distinguished veterans deserve. 
While providing the highest care and improving their overall 
performance with an emphasis on customer satisfaction, the Center has 
worked very hard to become one of the finest facilities in the Nation. 
The invaluable services that Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical 
Center provides truly deserve the recognition of this body.

                          ____________________