[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JENNIE CHIN HANSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to salute Jennie 
Chin Hansen for her vision, leadership, and extraordinary service to 
San Francisco's seniors as she prepares to step down as Executive 
Director of On Lok Senior Health Services. She has had a magnificent 
career and will continue to make invaluable contributions to our City 
and our nation.
  Jennie joined On Lok Senior Health Services as a research assistant 
in 1980. At that time, On Lok was a modest initiative in San 
Francisco's Chinatown that offered a day health program to 100 
homebound seniors. Under her leadership, On Lok was transformed into a 
national model for an alternative to nursing homes for the growing 
population of frail and elderly Americans. On Lok has demonstrated how 
vital it is for the elderly to continue living independently in their 
homes, near their friends and families, and in their communities for as 
long as possible.
  Jennie transformed On Lok into a non-profit family of organizations. 
On Lok now provides a spectrum of services including comprehensive 
medical care, prescription drug assistance, bilingual case management, 
home-cooked meals, and opportunities to socialize. On Lok provides 
transportation to seven neighborhood centers in San Francisco. In its 
25 years, 20,000 seniors have benefited from their programs. Three 
million meals have been prepared and served. A quarter million classes 
on subjects including aerobics, dance, painting, and citizenship as 
well as group outings have met the physical and social needs of the 
elderly.
  Jennie Chin Hansen led the effort to develop a national initiative 
called PACE, Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, for which 
On Lok served as the prototype. In 1997, President Bill Clinton signed 
legislation making Medicare and Medicaid money available for PACE 
Programs. They are now operating in 30 states nationwide.
  A visionary and a fierce advocate, Jennie has greatly influenced how 
our nation has come to regard care for the elderly. She has shown us 
the richness of caring for our seniors.
  We wish her well as she continues her work educating nurses at San 
Francisco State University, Canada College, and the UCSF Center for the 
Health Professions. The nursing field with its acute shortages is 
blessed to now have her focus, her talent, and her wisdom. Her magic 
will accompany her wherever she goes.

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