Senate Resolution 21

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING HAROLD H. WHITAKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS ADMINISTRATOR OF WEBSTER GENERAL HOSPITAL AND FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Harold H. Whitaker joined the staff of Webster General Hospital in 1972 as Administrator, has served diligently in that position for the past 32 years, and now seeks to enter retirement from his full-time service to his vocation; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure as Administrator, Whitaker had a vision to see what health care could become in Webster County, and applied wisdom and leadership to make that vision a reality; and

WHEREAS, under Whitaker's leadership, Webster General Hospital underwent several expansions to address the growing need for health care in Webster County, including a $1.36 Million expansion in 1979 to increase the facility size to 76 beds; and

WHEREAS, under Whitaker's leadership, Webster General Hospital added a number of clinical services that were not previously available, including fetal heart monitoring, Lifeline Service, mammography, and respite care services; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, Whitaker's concern for the future of Webster General Hospital led to the formation of a long-term relationship with North Mississippi Health Services, beginning with the execution of a lease agreement for the Webster General Hospital facility; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Whitaker recognized the need for a major expansion of inpatient facilities at Webster Health Services, and he guided the organization through the process of being purchased from the city and county by North Mississippi Health Services; and

WHEREAS, in 2003, under Whitaker’s leadership, Webster Health Services opened a new $9.5 Million expansion project designed to meet the health care needs of Webster County residents for many years to come; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his work at Webster General Hospital and Webster Health Services, Whitaker has provided guidance to the entire health care industry in the State of Mississippi as he has served as an active member of the Prairie Hospital Council and the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Hospital Association, the Mississippi State Board of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Mississippi Hospital Association Quarter Century Executive Forum; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, the residents of Webster County have benefited from Whitaker’s hard work, professionalism, passion and vision as he has established a standard of excellence that has served his community well, and that will serve as a model for those who will follow; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this body to recognize and commend outstanding career achievement of its most valued citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Harold H. Whitaker upon his retirement as Administrator of Webster General Hospital and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Harold H. Whitaker and made available to members of the Capital Press Corps.