[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




MT. CARMEL HOSPITAL OF COLVILLE, WASHINGTON CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mt. 
Carmel Hospital in Colville, Washington. Mt. Carmel Hospital was 
founded in 1919 as a non-profit, critical access, Catholic hospital and 
is currently run by the Sisters of Providence. For 90 years, the 
hospital has carried out its mission of providing medical care to 
members of the rural community in the Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille 
counties of Northeast Washington.
  Mt. Carmel Hospital is dedicated to assuring medical service is 
provided in accordance with its core values of respect, compassion, 
justice, excellence, and stewardship. In addition to its operating 
emergency services, a surgery center, rehabilitation, and diagnostic 
imaging, Mt. Carmel serves the community's underprivileged and provides 
education to professionals and laymen alike. Through their partnership 
with various other regional nonprofits, such as Christ Clinic and 
Project Access, Mt. Carmel compassionately reaches out to those who 
have limited or no health insurance. Additionally, the hospital's 
Resident Physician program offers training for new medical personnel 
while its Community Health Education Center provides classes and 
support groups on awareness and health improvement opportunities. The 
excellent care and community support contributed by Mt. Carmel Hospital 
offers the rural counties of Northeast Washington the kind of 
healthcare options often only available in large urban centers.
  In early June, 2009, Mt. Carmel Hospital completed its renewal and 
expansion project, which doubled the hospital's size and renovated the 
existing building. Construction of the new hospital building will 
increase the hospital's area by 70,000 square feet, which will include 
a new inpatient facility and an expanded outpatient area, emergency 
room, and laboratory, as well as other additions.
  Madam Speaker, I believe the ongoing efforts to provide excellent 
medical assistance to the counties of Northeast Washington make Mt. 
Carmel Hospital worthy of recognition before this body. I invite my 
colleagues to join me in honoring Mt. Carmel Hospital and the Sisters 
of Providence by observing and celebrating 90 years of dedication to 
wellness and health education in the community.

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