HR 607: St. Joseph's Hospital of Savannah, Georgia; 150th anniversary; recognize

House Resolution 607

By: Representatives Burns of the 159th, Stephens of the 164th, Jackson of the 165th, Westbrook of the 163rd, Hawkins of the 27th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Congratulating St. Joseph's Hospital of Savannah, Georgia, upon its 150th anniversary; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the genesis of St. Joseph's Hospital began in 1875 when the Sisters of Mercy took over operations of the Forest City Marine Hospital in what is now Savannah's National Historic Landmark District; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, Savannahians have come to trust the consummate care, compassion, and medical expertise that have become synonymous with the name St. Joseph's Hospital; and

WHEREAS, throughout its illustrious history, St. Joseph's Hospital has built its heritage and reputation on a continued commitment to cutting-edge medicine through highly skilled physicians, top-notch clinical professionals, and state-of-the-art medical technologies and procedures; and

WHEREAS, as a not-for-profit community hospital, St. Joseph's has had a profound and lasting impact on generations of Georgians and has continuously infused its community with an enriched sense of health, wellness, safety, and pride; and

WHEREAS, the core of this hospital's mission-centric philosophy is rooted in God's ever-present love, and its longevity is sustained by its consistent works of mercy, always focused on the people and communities it serves; and

WHEREAS, its strength in the Savannah community was further fortified by its joint affiliation with Candler Hospital in 1997, forming the largest and most experienced health care provider in Southeast Georgia while remaining locally controlled and governed; and

WHEREAS, St. Joseph's/Candler was nationally recognized by the American Hospital Association with its prestigious Foster G. McGaw Award for its commitment to community outreach through innovative programs such as St. Mary's Community Center, St. Mary's Health Center, the Good Samaritan Clinic, the African American Health Information & Resource Center, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and the Angels of Mercy Community Volunteer Corps; and

WHEREAS, as St. Joseph's Hospital celebrates the historic occasion of its 150th anniversary, it is fitting to honor its rich past, salute the strength of its faith-filled service in treating illness and promoting wellness for all people in the communities it serves, and look forward with tremendous pride to its sustained health and future growth for the benefit of all residents of Southeast Georgia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body congratulate St. Joseph's Hospital, the Sisters of Mercy, the hospital's past and present leadership team, and all its co-workers on the grand occasion of its 150th anniversary and extend best wishes for its continued service to the citizens of the City of Savannah and the surrounding regions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.