[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15096]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING MR. JOHN H. BETJEMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
congratulate one of the most selfless and caring citizens of the First 
Congressional District of Indiana, Mr. John H. Betjemann. John has 
spent the past 23 years dedicating his life to promoting healthcare 
development and community service to all of Northwest Indiana. His 
career as President and CEO of the Methodist Hospitals in Gary, 
Merrillville, and surrounding communities has allowed him the 
opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people. In honor of his 
gracious service to his community, there will be a celebration of his 
accomplishments on June 26, 2003 at St. Timothy's Church in Gary, 
Indiana.
  John Betjemann has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his 
career. He has focused his work on Neuroscience and Oncology medical 
services for diagnostics and treatment of cancer, brain tumors, and 
many other diseases. He has also provided Northwest Indiana with the 
Midlake Campus, which helps in the development services for children 
and new paramedic training for employees. He has also assured the 
identification of youth who are at risk of sudden cardiac trauma by 
providing high school athletic screening programs at no charge. Also in 
1999, John established the Smoke-Free Hospital Policy to help promote 
better healthcare environments for the patients, employees, and 
visitors of Methodist Hospitals.
  Along with the countless service organizations and programs that John 
has initiated, he has also been involved in many community 
organizations and projects. He has been a powerful member of the Horace 
Mann Ambridge Neighborhood Improvement Organization, which 
rehabilitates homes in the Northlake Campus area for low income, 
disabled families, and provides resources for repair and maintenance to 
these homes. He has also been a strong leader of the Adopt-A-Park 
Project, which along with IVY Tech, Gary Parks Department, and Lake 
County Job Training, helps to enhance Gary City parks by installing 
modern play equipment.
  Along with his many other accomplishments, John has also received 
numerous community service and leadership awards. In 1988, John was 
given the Community Service Award by the Tolle-Mann Business 
Association. In 1995, he was the recipient of the Crystal Globe Award, 
which was given by the Asian American Medical Society. The Wellness 
Council also acknowledged him in 2000 for implementing the Health 
Institute.
  Mr. Speaker, John has given his time and efforts selflessly to his 
employees and patients throughout his years of service. He has taught 
every member of his staff the true meaning of service to all members of 
the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you and my 
other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. John 
Betjemann for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First 
Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of 
service and dedication.

                          ____________________