Pelosi: Statement in Honor of Jennie Chin Hansen

October 8, 2004

"It gives me great pride to salute Jennie Chin Hansen for her vision, leadership, and extraordinary service to San Francisco's seniors as she prepares to step down as Executive Director of On Lok Senior Health Services. She has had a magnificent career and will continue to make invaluable contributions to our City and our nation.

"Jennie joined On Lok Senior Health Services as a research assistant in 1980. At that time, On Lok was a modest initiative in San Francisco's Chinatown that offered a day health program to 100 homebound seniors. Under her leadership, On Lok was transformed into a national model for an alternative to nursing homes for the growing population of frail and elderly Americans. On Lok has demonstrated how vital it is for the elderly to continue living independently in their homes, near their friends and families, and in their communities for as long as possible.

"Jennie transformed On Lok into a non-profit family of organizations. On Lok now provides a spectrum of services including comprehensive medical care, prescription drug assistance, bilingual case management, home-cooked meals, and opportunities to socialize. On Lok provides transportation to seven neighborhood centers in San Francisco. In its 25 years, 20,000 seniors have benefited from their programs. Three million meals have been prepared and served. A quarter million classes on subjects including aerobics, dance, painting, and citizenship as well as group outings have met the physical and social needs of the elderly.

"Jennie Chin Hansen led the effort to develop a national initiative called PACE, Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, for which On Lok served as the prototype. In 1997, President Bill Clinton signed legislation making Medicare and Medicaid money available for PACE Programs. They are now operating in 30 states nationwide.

"A visionary and a fierce advocate, Jennie has greatly influenced how our nation has come to regard care for the elderly. She has shown us the richness of caring for our seniors.

"We wish well her as she continues her work educating nurses at San Francisco State University, Canada College, and the UCSF Center for the Health Professions. The nursing field with its acute shortages is blessed to now have her focus, her talent, and her wisdom. Her magic will accompany her wherever she goes. "

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