[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Hospital Week, a yearly event that focuses public attention on the 
numerous contributions hospitals make to our communities.
  National Hospital Week began in 1921 when a magazine editor suggested 
that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears 
about ``shrouded'' medical institutions that used ``unusual'' equipment 
and procedures.
  This year's National Hospital Week theme, ``Where Miracles Happen 
Every Day,'' recognizes health care workers, volunteers, and other 
health professionals dedicated to making hospitals open to our 
communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  In my state of Hawaii, the health care workforce was one of the few 
sectors of the economy that grew in the 1990's. Due to the dramatic 
growth in this area, one out of every 15 employed Hawaii residents 
works in the health care industry. The State of Hawaii has 2.5 
physicians per 1,000 residents (compared to 2.1 nationally). 
Unfortunately, the number of nurses declined during the nineties, and 
they now shoulder an even larger burden as they work to help everyone 
who must visit our hospitals.
  As a result of the hard work by these people, my state has achieved a 
health status that is the envy of many other states. The State of 
Hawaii has longer life expectancies, lower rates of cancer, and lower 
hepatitis rates.
  The same dedication to improving the health of our nation can be 
found at the nearly 6,000 registered hospitals located throughout the 
United States. In 1999, America's hospitals discharged roughly 35.5 
million people. This staggering workload is handled by highly qualified 
professions and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to helping 
others.
  I fully support National Hospital Week and extend my warmest 
expression of gratitude to the staff and volunteers who work in our 
nation's hospitals.

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