[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 64 (Friday, May 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK

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                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2002

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to recognize May 12-18, 2002 as National Hospital Week. This year's 
theme, ``Where Miracles Happen Every Day'' is a fitting tribute to our 
nation's hospitals and their dedicated staffs of health care 
professionals. This week, we should all recognize the service of these 
health care workers, volunteers and other professionals who are 
committed to providing quality care to communities throughout the 
country.
  National Hospital Week was first celebrated eighty years ago in an 
effort to encourage more Americans to rely on the care provided at 
health care facilities. It has now become a powerful way to honor a 
remarkable industry. This year, we celebrate the impact of quality 
health care on our nation's families.
  Hospitals are at the cutting edge of our health care system. From 
supporting groundbreaking research in new therapies to advancing new 
technologies in patient care, hospitals are at the forefront of 
diagnosing, understanding, treating, curing and preventing disease. 
These continuing improvements in medical care have helped patients 
recover faster from injuries and sickness while allowing many people to 
live happier and healthier lives.
  I believe that it is important to recognize our health care system 
and the instrumental role it plays in ensuring quality, comprehensive 
care in all of our communities. From life saving surgeries to routine 
physicals, hospitals continuously provide quality health care to 
patients and their families.
  The people of my Congressional District are fortunate to have some of 
the best research, teaching and community hospitals right in their 
backyard. Patients from New England, across the nation, and throughout 
the world come to these care centers seeking hope for better lives. 
Those of us from the Boston region must never take these hospitals and 
their staffs for granted. National Hospital Week is the perfect 
opportunity to recognizing the miracles that are performed in these 
hospitals each day.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me as we celebrate National 
Hospital Week and recognize the success and dedication of our nation's 
hospitals.




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