Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-04

CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION

HealthcareAgriculture

Context

On 2026-02-04, Representative Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered agriculture.

Full Text

CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION ______ HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), a century of partnership, leadership, and dedicated service to improving health and health care for all Virginians. Since its founding in 1926 as a trade association of Virginia hospitals, VHHA has grown into a statewide leader, representing 26 member-health systems and 117 community, specialty, and psychiatric hospitals that deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families across our Commonwealth. For the past 100 years, VHHA has worked collaboratively with hospitals, health systems, policymakers, and community partners to ensure the sustainability of Virginia's health care system, to transform care delivery, and to advance public health and health equity. At the heart of its mission is the vision of making Virginia the healthiest state in the Nation by driving policies and programs to improve quality, expand access, and promote patient-centered care. Founded in 1926, VHHA has spent the past 100 years supporting the essential work of Virginia's hospitals and health systems to protect health, enhance access to care, and strengthen our economy. Today, VHHA represents 26 health systems and 117 acute care, children's, psychiatric, long-term care, rehabilitation, and specialty hospitals serving communities throughout Virginia. For a century, VHHA has worked in close partnership with policymakers, health care leaders, and community stakeholders to advance high-quality, patient-centered care and to ensure the long-term sustainability of Virginia's health care system. Guided by its mission to improve the health of Virginians and its vision of making Virginia the healthiest state in the Nation, VHHA has played a central role in shaping health policy, supporting innovation, and responding to the evolving needs of patients and providers alike. Virginia hospitals contribute $4.5 billion annually in community support and generate $68.8 billion in positive economic activity statewide. They directly employ more than 138,000 Virginians, provide over $13 billion in annual payroll, and serve as anchor institutions in cities and rural communities across the Commonwealth. Each year, VHHA member hospitals accommodate more than 4.45 million patient days, deliver over 86,000 babies, and handle 92 percent of all voluntary and involuntary inpatient behavioral health admissions in Virginia. These figures reflect not only the scale of care provided but also the critical role hospitals play in meeting urgent health needs, supporting families, and responding to public health and behavioral health challenges. Throughout 2026, VHHA is honoring this remarkable centennial with events that recognize its past achievements and look forward to the future of health care in Virginia. As we confront ongoing challenges, from rising demand for health care services to workforce shortages and health disparities, VHHA's century of experience and commitment to innovation remains invaluable. I commend the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, its members, and its leadership for their steadfast dedication to improving the health and well-being of all Virginians. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION ______ HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), a century of partnership, leadership, and dedicated service to improving health and health care for all Virginians. Since its founding in 1926 as a trade association of Virginia hospitals, VHHA has grown into a statewide leader, representing 26 member-health systems and 117 community, specialty, and psychiatric hospitals that deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families across our Commonwealth. For the past 100 years, VHHA has worked collaboratively with hospitals, health systems, policymakers, and community partners to ensure the sustainability of Virginia's health care system, to transform care delivery, and to advance public health and health equity. At the heart of its mission is the vision of making Virginia the healthiest state in the Nation by driving policies and programs to improve quality, expand access, and promote patient-centered care. Founded in 1926, VHHA has spent the past 100 years supporting the essential work of Virginia's hospitals and health systems to protect health, enhance access to care, and strengthen our economy. Today, VHHA represents 26 health systems and 117 acute care, children's, psychiatric, long-term care, rehabilitation, and specialty hospitals serving communities throughout Virginia. For a century, VHHA has worked in close partnership with policymakers, health care leaders, and community stakeholders to advance high-quality, patient-centered care and to ensure the long-term sustainability of Virginia's health care system. Guided by its mission to improve the health of Virginians and its vision of making Virginia the healthiest state in the Nation, VHHA has played a central role in shaping health policy, supporting innovation, and responding to the evolving needs of patients and providers alike. Virginia hospitals contribute $4.5 billion annually in community support and generate $68.8 billion in positive economic activity statewide. They directly employ more than 138,000 Virginians, provide over $13 billion in annual payroll, and serve as anchor institutions in cities and rural communities across the Commonwealth. Each year, VHHA member hospitals accommodate more than 4.45 million patient days, deliver over 86,000 babies, and handle 92 percent of all voluntary and involuntary inpatient behavioral health admissions in Virginia. These figures reflect not only the scale of care provided but also the critical role hospitals play in meeting urgent health needs, supporting families, and responding to public health and behavioral health challenges. Throughout 2026, VHHA is honoring this remarkable centennial with events that recognize its past achievements and look forward to the future of health care in Virginia. As we confront ongoing challenges, from rising demand for health care services to workforce shortages and health disparities, VHHA's century of experience and commitment to innovation remains invaluable. I commend the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, its members, and its leadership for their steadfast dedication to improving the health and well-being of all Virginians. ____________________