[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER

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                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 17, 2013

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the St. Francis 
Medical Center in Monroe, LA. as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. 
The men and women of this center have dedicated countless hours to help 
those during times of need, and I am evermore grateful for all that 
they have done to serve the 5th Congressional District.
   On opening day, July 22, 1913, the St. Francis Sanitarium and School 
of Nursing had four patients and by late September, 193 had been 
admitted. Named after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the 
Franciscan Sisters, its mission would be to extend the healing ministry 
of Jesus Christ to God's people, especially those most in need. A 
century later, this mission has remained constant.
   From its modest beginning as a three-story red brick building with 
75 patient beds, St. Francis Medical Center has grown to become 
Northeast Louisiana's largest healthcare provider with 550 licensed 
beds.
   In addition to the remarkable progression of care St. Francis 
Medical Center provides to its patients and loved ones, it has turned 
into one of the largest employers in Ouachita Parish boasting over 
2,200 employees and an annual payroll of $100 million.
   As St. Francis Medical Center embarks on its second century of 
service to our community, I am confident the goal of providing 
excellent healthcare with love, compassion, humility and respect for 
all entrusted to them will continue.
   It is with deep appreciation for the organization's many 
contributions to the 5th Congressional District that I rise today to 
recognize St. Francis Medical Center's 100th year. To say that this 
group is a source of strength within Northeast Louisiana is an 
understatement. Bringing comfort and hope to patients and their 
families is a priceless gift. They have made a real difference in the 
lives of many, and I commend each individual, past and present, for 
their admirable service and leadership.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in applauding such 
an outstanding benchmark.

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