[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 73 (Friday, April 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING DIGNITY HEALTH'S MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 28, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dignity Health's 
Mercy Medical Center in Merced as this year's recipient of the Merced 
College President's Medallion. Dignity Health is one of the largest 
health systems in the nation, with 400 care sites across a 22 state 
network, including 39 hospitals. Through teamwork, innovation, faith 
and compassion, they strive to keep every patient happy and healthy. 
The Mercy Medical Center in Merced has provided a resource for all its 
residents by enhancing and creating the health care system of the 
future.
  Founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, The Sisters 
of Mercy promised to serve people who suffered from sickness, poverty, 
and lack of education. After arriving in San Francisco, California in 
1854, eight Sisters began to care for residents of a city who were 
struck by cholera, typhoid and influenza and founded St. Mary's 
Hospital, which is the oldest continuously operating hospital in the 
city. These facilities later expanded and were renamed to Catholic 
Healthcare West in order to serve a growing population, while still 
maintaining their vow to serve the community, and keeping a respect for 
humanity at the forefront of modern medicine. In 2012, Catholic 
Healthcare West changed their name to Dignity Health, demonstrating the 
respect and promise to provide health care and helping everyone achieve 
healthy and meaningful lives.
  Although Dignity Health's headquarters are in San Francisco, their 
commitment to provide health care for everyone and their compassion 
towards their patients continues to be demonstrated throughout the 
nation and in Merced. In the fall of 1999, two hospitals in Merced 
County began discussions with the intent of finding the best direction 
to meet the health care needs of their citizens. They agreed to build a 
single hospital, Mercy Medical Center, to support the addition of more 
advanced medical services that were not available locally. Thanks to 
this expansion, not only were they able to bring more resources to the 
area, but also recruit additional clinical and medical staff to the 
Merced region as well.
  Mercy doctors, employees, and volunteers have consistently met the 
health care needs of all patients, regardless of their background or 
circumstances. With the newest Mercy Medical Center established in 
2012, I look forward to witnessing the benefits that it will bring to 
Merced and its surrounding communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
achievements of Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center. Their long 
history has exhibited the dedication that they have in caring for all 
patients, and has demonstrated their commitment to enriching the lives 
of Merced's students in the future. For these reasons, it is fitting 
and appropriate that Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center receives the 
President's Medallion from Merced College; one of their highest honors 
and most distinct privileges. I know the service they provide will 
inspire future generations who wish to work in the medical and health 
care field to deliver the same quality and excellence that community 
members have come to appreciate, and rely upon.

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