[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 18150] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY DOMINICAN HOSPITAL ______ HON. SAM FARR of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 13, 2006 Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dominican Hospital on 65 years of high quality, passionate, and kindhearted healthcare in Santa Cruz County. Created by six Dominican Sisters from Adrian, Michigan, the Catholic hospital was duly named ``Sisters Hospital.'' Today, the hospital continues to approach the healthcare needs of the region by partnering faith with scientific innovations. Since its inception in 1941, ``Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital'' has consistently delivered comprehensive and modern medical care for the county. Part of the compassionate mission of Dominican Hospital is to ``improve the health of the people of the greater Santa Cruz area, without distinguishing by race, creed, or source of payment . . .'' The hospital is known for partnering with other healthcare providers in order to improve the quality of life for those who are less fortunate. In 1951, ``Sisters Hospital'' became aware of the ever growing needs within the community for a comprehensive healthcare institution. Due to this realization, the hospital decided to expand its services and obtain a new location. The hospital acquired its Soquel Avenue location and renamed itself, Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital. In 1984, Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital, in a partnership with the County of Santa Cruz, agreed to provide the first inpatient mental health services program in the county. This was in response to the ever growing needs the hospital saw emerging within the community. Dominican Hospital, time and time again, proves its love for the community by constantly evaluating and reacting to the needs of the people, and I am very grateful to them. The hospital again expanded its services in 1988. It introduced the county to its first cardiac program. It also created Dominican Oaks, an assisted and independent living community, providing 206 residents with comprehensive medical support. Dominican also joined forces with Catholic Healthcare West, a hospital system of similar values and visions with locations throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada. Dominican Hospital now serves about 150,000 patients annually, has birthed over 75,000 children, and currently counts 379 beds on two campuses. The medical specialties available at the hospital are numerous. They include, but are not limited to, complete Emergency Services, a renowned Intensive Care Service, the only Level 2 and Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery in the county, Behavioral Health Services, and an array of outreach services, and educational options focusing on community needs and healtb prevention. ____________________