Remarks (As Prepared): Groundbreaking Ceremony Euclid Hospital Emergency Department

REMARKS [AS PREPARED]: GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY EUCLID HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Thank you Lauren. I am honored to be here this morning for the groundbreaking of such an important project.

I would like to recognize the efforts of Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik and my colleague Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones for their work in seeing this project to its fruition.

As you know, in recent years, due to the closure of surrounding hospitals, Euclid Hospital's Emergency Department has seen a dramatic increase in emergency room visits. Currently, the emergency department operates 16 beds with an annual capacity of 24,000 patients. Last year, however, the Emergency Department had almost 30,000 patient visits which exceeded its maximum capacity. Often, the Emergency Department treats 30 or more patients over the daily maximum capacity.

Because of this great need, we have been working together for quite some time now to raise funds for the expansion project. This expansion is essential for Euclid Hospital to continue to provide the emergency care required to meet the demands of the community. Over the last few years, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, with your help I've been able to secure nearly 1 million for the project, which will allow the Emergency Department to substantially increase treatment rooms and annual patient capacity.

This project is a great example of what is possible with a strong public and private partnership. Euclid Hospital continues to demonstrate excellence in patient care and service, and our continued collective investment will allow the doctors and nurses to do even more.

Thank you again for your help and support of this vital project.

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