Dear Editor,

In light of the major earthquake that hit Humboldt County on Saturday, Jan. 9, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fast-acting hospital staff and physicians who stayed calm through the incident and who made sure each and every patient was safe. Their professionalism and commitment to upholding the highest standard of care under such difficult circumstances is commendable.

In addition to staff, I would like to thank Congressman Mike Thompson for his continued support of St. Joseph Hospital's Northeast Tower construction project, which, when finished, will be fully equipped to withstand massive seismic events like what we experienced last weekend.

Living in a seismically active region makes it necessary for hospitals like ours to take added precaution against major earthquakes. That is one of the reasons why we are constructing a new medical facility at St. Joseph Hospital and Congressman Thompson's help in securing federal funding for this project has been invaluable.

Again, my deepest appreciation to the staff and physicians for their work during the earthquake, and to Congressman Thompson for his support of our new seismically sound facility.

Joe Mark, CEO

St. Joseph and Redwood Memorial hospitals