[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E227-E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING JOALINE OLSON OF NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam, Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
JoAline Olson, who is leaving after 12 years of invaluable service as 
the distinguished CEO of St. Helena Hospital. Mrs. Olson is to be 
commended for her incredible achievements and outstanding contributions 
to the well-being of the Napa Valley and beyond.
  Mrs. Olson's career with St. Helena Hospital began over 23 years ago. 
Under her leadership, the hospital has been recognized as one of the 
top 100 cardiovascular hospitals in the country. The hospital was also 
named St. Helena Chamber of Commerce 2008 Family Friendly Business of 
the Year, among numerous other awards. Mrs. Olson personally was given 
the 2002 Adventist Community Life Award and named North Bay 
Businesswoman of the Year in 2001.
  Mrs. Olson is known in the community for her commitment to quality, 
whole person care and the patient experience. She is responsible for 
starting Napa Valley Hospice, the first hospice program in Napa County 
for terminally ill patients. She also brought hospitals in St. Helena 
and Clearlake together under one governing board, improving 
coordination and quality of care for patients at both hospitals. She 
has been instrumental in raising $28 million to build a new regional 
cancer center that will offer communities access to state of the art 
cancer treatments.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we 
thank JoAline Olson for her years of dedication and service on behalf 
of the residents of Napa and Lake counties. She has been a role model 
for anyone who strives to give back to his or her community. I join her 
husband David and their two daughters, Amanda and Monica, in thanking 
JoAline and wishing her the best of luck in her new position.

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