[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING PRESENCE MERCY MEDICAL CENTER'S SAFETY AND SECURITY 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Safety and 
Security Department of Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, 
Illinois. Safety and security is a growing concern for healthcare 
facilities, and Presence Mercy Medical Center has responded by 
preparing their security team to prevent crimes before they begin and 
respond to criminal activity promptly.
  The 2012 Crime and Security Trends Survey conducted by the 
International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) 
highlights the increasing dangers healthcare workers face. The survey 
found that in 2012 there were over 20,500 crimes committed in 
healthcare facilities, a 37 percent rise from 2010.
  The Safety and Security Department at Presence Mercy Medical Center 
has responded to these recent developments by exposing their security 
officers to comprehensive training and preparation programs. All of 
their department's members have studied, tested, and received 
certification in Basic Training by the IAHSS, 92 percent have received 
Advanced certification, and 83 percent have received Supervisor 
certification.
  These efforts have made Presence Mercy a model security team at a 
time when healthcare safety and security is a significantly mounting 
concern.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Safety 
and Security Department members for their excellence in safety and 
security preparation:
  Doug Kaiser; Robert Lea; Christian Pfister; Darin Northern; Jim Rees; 
Victor Jimenez; Miguel Saenz; Kerry Haggard; Tom Greiner; David Oliver; 
Nora Rodriguez.

                          ____________________