[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 127 (Thursday, July 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1071-E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JFK MEDICAL CENTER

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2017

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to extend heartfelt 
congratulations to the JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, as it 
celebrates 50 years of industry-leading innovation, research and high-
quality patient care.
  In 1961, Edison Mayor Anthony Yelencsics launched an effort to 
establish a hospital that would provide residents of Edison, Metuchen, 
and Woodbridge with high quality, accessible care--as well as good, 
local jobs.
  A year later, more than 200 women joined together to form the JFK 
Auxiliary, which was charged with aiding fundraising for the project 
through activities like luncheons, fashion shows, and card parties. 
Within six years, the $5.6 million needed for the project was raised 
through large gifts from local businesses, civic and social 
organizations, and tireless efforts by the JFK Auxiliary and other 
township residents soliciting donations door-to-door. Notably, Edison 
Township ensured the project's success by pledging $100,000 and 
donating the 37-acre property where the hospital resides today.
  JFK Medical Center opened its doors to the community on August 7, 
1967 with 206 beds and 450 dedicated employees, including compassionate 
nurses, technicians, and administrators. From the beginning, JFK 
established itself as an industry innovation leader, using new 
computerization for patient records, private and semi-private rooms, a 
meditation room, and visitor rooms on every floor.
  Over the next 50 years, JFK Medical Center evolved into one of 
Central New Jersey's most trusted hospitals, receiving nationwide 
recognition for its innovation, world-renowned research, and industry-
leading quality of care.
  JFK's emergency department, the largest in the state, has been 
awarded the Outstanding Private EMS Agency Award by the New Jersey 
Department of Health. The JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute has been 
named a ``Top Hospital'' by U.S. News & World Report--an award bestowed 
upon only 148 hospitals out of nearly 4,800 across the country.

[[Page E1072]]

In 2016, JFK's oncology program was awarded the Outstanding Achievement 
Award by the American College of Surgeons.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of New Jersey's Sixth 
Congressional District and the state of New Jersey, I recognize JFK 
Medical Center and its dedicated staff for 50 years of exemplary 
service, cutting-edge innovation, and industry-leading quality of care.

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