[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. HELENA HOSPITAL IN ST. 
                               HELENA, CA

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the St. Helena Hospital of Napa County as it celebrates its 125th 
Anniversary.
  On June 1, 1878, the Rural Health Retreat opened its doors to the 
public. 125 years later, the Rural Health Retreat has a new name and a 
new look but its commitment to quality healthcare remains the same. 
Today, the St. Helena Hospital is the world's oldest continuously 
operating Seventh-day Adventist hospital.
  The hospital has grown substantially over the years, both in its 
ability to heal and in its physical space. What began as a small two-
story building has matured into a state-of-the-art facility, which 
includes a 24-hour emergency room, a heliport, and top-of-the-line 
surgical suites.
  Mr. Speaker, among other services, the St. Helena Hospital offers a 
wide range of facilities to assist our community members in overcoming 
their illnesses including addictions. Specifically, the hospital has a 
mental health unit, an alcohol and chemical recovery program and it 
houses wellness programs such as the Nicotine Addiction Program.
  In 1974, a team of surgeons performed the first open-heart surgery in 
the North Bay, paving the way for St. Helena Hospital to become a 
leader in cardiac care. Today, history continues to be written and St. 
Helena Hospital has been named among the Top 100 Cardiovascular 
Hospitals in the country.
  Mr. Speaker, during its 125 years of existence, the St. Helena 
Hospital has been a medical sanctuary for thousands of people from both 
in and out of our community. The hospital has a wonderful tradition of 
providing for the sick. Regardless of who you are or where you are 
from, you will receive the best medical assistance possible at the St. 
Helena Hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, for maintaining such a high standard of excellence and 
for healing our community for over 125 years, it is appropriate that we 
honor the St. Helena Hospital as they recognize their 125th 
anniversary.




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