[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E627-E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF CAROL STAFFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2012

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Carol Stafford, a dear 
friend and an indefatigable health professional who for 39 years has 
dedicated her life to nursing and caring for the poor and those in need 
in San Mateo County. She retired as a triage nurse at Willow Clinic in 
Menlo Park on March 17, 2012 after a remarkable career that has touched 
the lives of thousands of county residents.
  For almost four decades Carol brought life saving care to patients in 
the emergency room at San Mateo County General and she spearheaded 
comprehensive procedures for treating victims of sexual assault at a 
time when most hospitals had few protocols. She chose to work in 
facilities (Chope Hospital and Willow Clinic) that treated the neediest 
and most vulnerable members of society because she believed that all 
patients deserve the highest level of medical care, regardless of 
economic circumstances. One of her patients described her as the nicest 
person he had ever met, but Carol treated all people the same way--with 
the utmost kindness, compassion and respect.
  On June 10, 1973 Carol graduated from the College of San Mateo with 
an associate degree in nursing. The next day she started her career 
working nights on the medical surgical floor at Chope Hospital, which 
is now San Mateo Medical Center. Two years later she moved to the 
emergency room and by 1981 she was promoted to Nurse Manager of the 
Emergency Department. While she was working full time she returned to 
college and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at 
California State University at Long Beach.
  Back then police had limited protocols for dealing with victims of 
sexual assault. Often times, assault victims were taken to emergency 
rooms for a rape kit, but no counseling would be offered. Carol decided 
she wanted to change that and worked with the emergency room physician 
manager, the police department and the board of supervisors to develop 
comprehensive treatments for survivors of sexual assault.
  At the time, I was on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and 
worked with Carol to develop these new standards. Policies and 
procedures were implemented to train staff. There was always someone on 
call who knew exactly how to treat victims of sexual assault with both 
counseling and support and Chope Hospital emerged as a model and a 
leader in handling rape cases. Over time, the program evolved into the 
Keller Center for Family Violence Intervention, a nationally recognized 
program that provides victims of child abuse, elder abuse, sexual 
assault and domestic violence with comprehensive medical, emotional, 
social and legal support.
  Carol has strong ties to the Bay Area. She was born in San Francisco 
and grew up in San Carlos. At age 15 Carol's father passed away. Her 
mother went to work to support the family, demonstrating qualities of 
strength and independence. All three sisters graduated from college and 
went on to have successful careers. Carol's younger sister, Denise 
Raabe, is the Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney and her 
middle sister, Gail Raabe, served as San Mateo County Agricultural 
Commissioner.
  Carol is a life-long Giant's fan and a baseball fanatic. Growing up, 
she posted 8-by-10-inch photographs of the entire San Francisco Giants 
team in her bedroom. To this day, she has season tickets. Carol's 
devoted husband of 41 years, George Stafford, her sons Paul and Joseph 
and her daughter-in-law, Courtney Stafford, will now enjoy more quality 
time with Carol. It's important to note that even as demanding as 
Carol's nursing career has been, she has always put family first and 
was home most days when her boys came home from school.
  Though Carol has retired from a wonderful career, she will continue 
to play a vital role in our community and she will certainly have a 
friend in me for life.
  Mr. Speaker, Carol Stafford has dedicated her life to assisting 
people in need. I ask that the House of Representatives to join me in

[[Page E628]]

commending her for her extraordinary selflessness and service.

                          ____________________