[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, on April 9th, 1958, Skagit 
Valley Hospital opened its doors and began a tradition of providing 
high-quality healthcare to the residents of Northwest Washington. I 
rise today to commend Skagit Valley Hospital on its 50th Anniversary 
and thank the more than 1,200 employees, 250 physicians, 450 volunteers 
and countless community supporters who continue to work to fulfill the 
hospital's goal of being ``the best regional, community hospital in the 
Northwest.''
  Over the last fifty years, Skagit Valley Hospital has grown 
dramatically and expanded the services it offers to patients. After 
opening a 220,000 square foot expansion in June of 2007, the hospital 
now boasts 137 beds, a Level III Trauma Center, and cutting-edge 
Kidney, Diagnostic Imaging and Comprehensive Cancer Care Centers.
  Most of Skagit Valley Hospital's facilities are located in Mount 
Vernon, Washington, but in recent years the hospital has expanded 
geographically to serve more families in rural and underserved areas. 
Its Community Health Centers in Stanwood, Washington and Camano Island, 
Washington bring healthcare services closer to patients who need them.
  The fine work of Skagit Valley Hospital has been supported by the 
generosity of both the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and the Skagit 
Hospice Foundation. Together, these organizations have raised and 
donated over $9 million to improve Skagit Valley Hospital and support 
patients and their families.
  For fifty years, Skagit Valley Hospital has been a pillar of our 
community and the Northwest Washington healthcare system. Please join 
me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Skagit Valley Hospital 
and thanking its dedicated staff for their tireless efforts.

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