[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2843-E2844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOPKINS COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Hopkins 
County Memorial Hospital, which just celebrated its 60th

[[Page E2844]]

Anniversary on September 3, 2009. Hopkins County Memorial Hospital 
holds a rich history of service and dedication to the citizens of 
Hopkins County, providing excellence in medical care through its state-
of-the-art technology and professionally trained, capable staff.
  Original proposals for a hospital bond date back to the 1920's, but 
it wasn't until 1945 that public sentiment supported community members' 
proposal. Voters approved funds for a county hospital by a 3-1 
majority, and plans for an accessible, competitive hospital were 
underway. With federal funding approved by 1948, the job was awarded to 
W.R. McKinney and Sons of Greenville, Texas, and construction began 
November 1, 1948. By June of the next year, Hopkins County Memorial 
Hospital was stocked with equipment that would make it one of the most 
modern in the region--a modern operating table, Heidbrink gas machines 
for anesthesia, a battery-operated emergency light for backup power 
during surgery, as well as a staff of about 30 skilled professionals. 
The hospital held its open house on September 4, and opened the next 
day. The hospital's most recent renovation includes a new emergency 
department, lobby, and conversion of all rooms to private rooms.
  In January of 2009, the Advanced Heart Care at Memorial cardiac 
catheterization lab opened. The latest renovations include 27,959 new 
square feet, 39,098 renovated square feet, a new emergency department, 
a new front lobby and front desk area, a new and expanded Johnnie 
Masters Gift Shop, and conversion of all rooms into private rooms.
  Hopkins County Memorial Hospital is a testament to the community's 
ability to band together in pursuit of the common good. Without the 
collaboration of thought, energy, and hard work by so many people, 
Hopkins County Memorial Hospital would not have become the success it 
is today. Madam Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in 
celebrating Hopkins County Memorial Hospital in its service and success 
over the past 60 years, and in wishing it many blessings in the years 
to come.

                          ____________________