[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 173 (Friday, December 2, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2016

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th anniversary 
of the founding of CHI St. Joseph Health of Bryan, Texas, and the 100th 
anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. CHI St. 
Joseph Health is a healthcare leader in the Brazos Valley, drawing upon 
the rich legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis.
  In 1936, the Sisters purchased Bryan Hospital and immediately began 
investing in improvements, making CHI St. Joseph part of its growing 
nation-wide healthcare ministry. The Sisters grew the small Bryan 
hospital into a major regional health system with five hospitals, two 
long-term care facilities, more than 30 clinics, and an exceptional 
physician network that is 250 physicians strong. The Sisters' 
investment has given CHI St. Joseph the privilege of caring for more 
patients, delivering more babies, and introducing more advancements in 
healthcare that any other provider in the region.
  In 2014, through Supreme guidance and ministry, the Sisters pursued 
sponsorship with Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the largest 
healthcare systems in the nation. The Sisters believed this move would 
help CHI St. Joseph continue to thrive in a complex and ever-changing 
healthcare environment.
  The 80th anniversary of CHI St. Joseph and the 100th anniversary of 
the Sisters of St. Francis are being celebrated by current and former 
CHI St. Joseph leaders, Sisters of St. Francis leadership, the Board of 
Directors, physicians, administration, team members with more than 25 
years of tenure, the entire St. Joseph's team, and all of the Brazos 
Valley. Their hard work and dedication to improve their communities 
should be both appreciated and celebrated.
  I, along with the residents of the 17th Congressional District, 
commend CHI St. Joseph's and the Sisters of Sylvania for their 80 years 
of unwavering commitment, dedication, and contributions to the Brazos 
Valley. All of us also wish them great success in the future.
  As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, and 
for our military and first responders who selflessly serve and 
sacrifice to protect us. God bless important institutions like CHI St. 
Joseph's and God Bless America.

                          ____________________