[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 123 (Monday, July 22, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4963-S4964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO DAVID BLOM

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the career 
and service of David P. Blom, who will retire later this month after 
serving as the president and CEO of OhioHealth since 2002. Under 
David's leadership, OhioHealth has grown its legacy of providing high-
quality care to patients across central Ohio, including residents of my 
hometown, Mansfield.

[[Page S4964]]

  In the 17 years since David became CEO, OhioHealth has tripled in 
size. David spearheaded initiatives like the OhioHealth Research & 
Innovation Institute, which makes significant contributions to the 
field of research around new drugs, medical devices, and procedures. 
His focus on installing new technology has helped to drastically reduce 
errors in medication and patient identification across the OhioHealth 
system.
  During David's tenure as CEO, OhioHealth has been named one of the 
top 100 places to work by Fortune Magazine for 12 consecutive years. In 
2016, David was honored with the Columbus Award, and in 2009, he was 
inducted into the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame. He currently 
serves on the boards of the Columbus Foundation, Columbus Downtown 
Development Commission, Columbus Partnership, Vizient, and Healthy 
Roster. But beyond all that, it is David's commitment to the 
communities OhioHealth serves that truly sets him apart as a leader.
  David was instrumental in establishing Wellness on Wheels Women's 
Health, a mobile health clinic which provides prenatal care to women in 
high-risk communities. This program has been invaluable in saving the 
lives of the most vulnerable among us.
  In 2015, David was selected as one of 15 members to serve on the 
Veterans Affairs Commission on Care, a task force that developed 
critical reforms to veterans' healthcare. Out of this came the VA 
MISSION Act, which aims to improve veterans' access to effective and 
timely health care. These reforms would not have been possible without 
David's expertise and sense of service.
  We are fortunate to be able to count David among the ranks of great 
Ohioans. His innovative leadership has touched lives in my State and 
across the Nation. I wish David all the best in his retirement and 
thank him for his years of service in central Ohio.
 Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
career and accomplishments of David Blom, retiring CEO of OhioHealth.
  David began his career with OhioHealth in 1983. Working through 
various roles in the health care system, he was named CEO of OhioHealth 
in 2002.
  In his first year as CEO, after several tough years with losses, 
David led OhioHealth to report a $23 million profit. Over the last 17 
years at the helm, he has presided over expansion in and beyond central 
Ohio. OhioHealth has nearly tripled system revenue and has grown its 
central Ohio market share while working to unite the culture of 
multiple hospitals, outpatient sites, and physician practices.
  Today, OhioHealth is a $4 billion system of 12 hospitals and more 
than 200 outpatient sites. The organization has 29,000 associates, 
3,600 physicians, and 3,000 volunteers across 48 counties in Ohio.
  Under David's leadership, OhioHealth has become a major central Ohio 
employer and economic driver.
  David also cares deeply about the central Ohio community that he has 
called home for so many years. He has served on the boards of the 
Columbus Partnership, the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, 
and the Columbus Foundation. He was also instrumental in creating 
Columbus 2020, the economic development arm for central Ohio.
  Under David's leadership, OhioHealth has had a substantial positive 
impact in Ohio, and I want to thank him for his service and leadership.
  I wish David the best in the next chapter of his life.

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