[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ELKHART GENERAL HOSPITAL ON ITS 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2009

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Elkhart 
General Hospital, celebrating its 100th anniversary of serving the good 
people of Elkhart, Indiana and the surrounding communities.
  For 100 years, Elkhart General Hospital has been providing 
comprehensive medical care to residents of Elkhart, Indiana and the 
surrounding communities. Its dedicated administrators, medical 
professionals, and community partners focus on the hospital's vision of 
``creating a healthier community.'' Through their recognition that good 
health requires a holistic approach, the devoted members of the Elkhart 
General family work diligently to provide healthcare that embraces 
body, mind, and spirit.
  On March 29, 1909, Elkhart General Hospital was officially 
incorporated. Funds were raised, and a brand new hospital was built and 
opened to serve the community that same year. In 1953, the hospital had 
100 beds and 3,170 operations were performed--twice the national 
average for a facility that size.
  Over the years, Elkhart General has grown with the community it 
serves. In 1965, it completed a four-story addition, increasing its 
capacity to 310 beds. In 1980, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan 
equipment was installed, and the move to increase the hospital's cancer 
care services was underway.
  Today, Elkhart General is an independent, not-for-profit, community-
owned healthcare system in the City of Elkhart. The 325 bed hospital 
serves more than 19,000 patients each month. Its professional medical 
staff is comprised of 330 physicians representing 30 medical 
specialties, and over 2,000 dedicated nurses, technical, 
administrative, and support staff. Together, this team provides a 
wealth of expert medical care and counseling to residents of this 
diverse community.
  So today, on behalf of the citizens of the Second District, I would 
like to congratulate the fine medical staff, dedicated administrative 
personnel, essential support employees, and community volunteers who 
make Elkhart General Hospital an outstanding resource for complete 
medical care.

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