Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Del. Gregorio 'Kilili' Camacho Sablan

Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, a group of forward-thinking and civic-minded individuals realized the need for volunteer support and fundraising for the new hospital nearing completion in the Northern Mariana Islands. So was born the Commonwealth Health Center Volunteers Association. The volunteers have made tremendous contributions to our hospitals in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and have made an appreciable difference to the experience of every patient who receives health care in the Northern Marianas.

Since its founding, the group has donated over $2 million in medical equipment and supplies. Many of these donations include life-saving diagnostic and treatment equipment and other supplies that dramatically improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The volunteers have withstood the many challenges that have faced our community over the past 25 years, and I think that's a good indication of their ability to successfully navigate the next 25.

Please join me in celebrating the wonderful men and women who founded and over the years staffed and supported the Commonwealth Health Center Volunteers Association.

Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, there were two important developments to better serve the health needs of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. One was the opening of the Commonwealth Health Center; the other, less publicly recognized, but also of great significance, was the formation of the Commonwealth Health Center Volunteers Association. A group of forward-thinking and civic-minded individuals realized the need for volunteer support and fundraising for the new hospital. An initial meeting was organized by the late Dr. Jose T. Villagomez, Gregorio S. Calvo, Juanita Dortch, Angie V. Guerrero, Norma Matthews, and Rosa T. Palacios. These founding individuals, and the many more who have answered the call for volunteers, have made critical contributions to the availability and quality of health care in our local community.

As in every corner of our country, we in the Northern Marianas have always faced the issue of bridging the gap between providing affordable health care and what the true cost of that care is. The CHC Volunteers Association has made tremendous contributions to our hospitals and has made an appreciable difference to the experience of every patient who receives health care in the Northern Marianas. Since its founding, the group has donated over $2 million in medical equipment and supplies which have benefited health care needs on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Many of these donations include lifesaving diagnostic and treatment equipment such as telemetry machines, nebulizers, and hemodialysis chairs. In fact, they have been responsible for the purchase of two mammography diagnostic units over the years. The availability of equipment such as this means lives have been saved. It also means our residents do not need to travel to receive medical care with the frequency they once did. The group's current goal is to raise funds for a hyperbaric chamber, which will cost approximately a quarter million dollars. This will help doctors heal their patients more effectively. Many of our residents suffer from diabetes, and the hyperbaric chamber can be used to assist in healing persistent wounds in these patients and decrease the need for amputations. Many of our residents and tourists alike enjoy deep-sea diving, and the equipment can also be used to provide lifesaving treatment in the event an individual suffers decompression illness. Other supplies the Volunteers provide are not lifesaving, but dramatically improve the quality of life for patients: new bedsheets, televisions, and reclining chairs, for example. These make extended hospital stays more tolerable than they once were.

All of this has been accomplished through the CHC Volunteers' unwavering commitment to improving the quality of health care in the Northern Marianas. Every year, the group sets about fundraising with an awe-inspiring vigor: they host a Thanksgiving raffle, an annual Christmas bazaar, walkathons, concerts, and pancake breakfasts, just to name a few. The Volunteers have supported our community in other important ways as well, such as sponsoring health conferences and public education programs. They have also served as an important link between the Commonwealth Health Center and other charitable organizations and businesses. The Volunteers have come a long way since their initial fundraising, which was accomplished by selling cold drinks and snacks from two portable coolers at the hospital. They now operate a full-service gift shop at the hospital to help fund their endeavors.

A testament to the enduring nature of the CHC Volunteers Association is that some of the original volunteers are still actively involved. Twenty-five years after committing to do what they could to improve local health care, Mrs. Amparo LG Tenorio, Mrs. Rita V. Tenorio, and Mrs. Rieko M. Guerrero are still volunteering. The Volunteers have withstood the many challenges that have faced our community over the past 25 years, and I think that's a good indication of their ability to successfully navigate the next 25. Their continued success not only benefits hospital patients, but it serves our entire population. It is important for the youth of today to see all that can be accomplished through good intentions and hard work. The group also serves as a constant reminder of the importance of volunteerism, which is alive and well in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Please join me in celebrating the wonderful men and women who founded, and over the years staffed and supported, the Commonwealth Health Center Volunteers Association.