WHEREAS, Charles Henry Sackett, M.D., a pioneering cardiologist who greatly improved cardiac care in the Lynchburg area, died on August 13, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lynchburg, Charles Sackett received a bachelor's degree and medical degree from the University of Virginia after interrupting his studies to serve in the United States Navy during World War II; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader, Dr. Sackett returned to his hometown and changed the quality of cardiac care available to residents of Central Virginia, establishing a full range of facilities that educated and treated patients with the intent of preventing heart disease and improving the quality of life for those who had suffered cardiac events; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sackett established one of the state's first coronary care units at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital in 1968, began to teach a coronary care training program for nurses in 1969, and in 1970 marked the opening of a coronary care unit at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital; and

WHEREAS, seven years later, Dr. Sackett founded Centra Lynchburg General Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Center and was instrumental in the opening of a cardiac catheterization laboratory in 1987 and a cardiac surgical program in 1989; and

WHEREAS, the improved cardiac care facilities significantly reduced the mortality rate for those who suffered from heart attacks, creating a wealth of survivors from whom doctors could learn more about the prevention and treatment of heart disease; and

WHEREAS, committed to the quality of health care for Lynchburg area residents, Dr. Sackett was also instrumental in the merger of Virginia Baptist Hospital and Lynchburg General Hospital into the current-day Centra Health; and

WHEREAS, a fierce advocate for his patients, Dr. Sackett worked countless hours over the course of his distinguished career to ensure their best possible care and access to the latest technology; and

WHEREAS, in 1991 Dr. Sackett received recognition from his peers for his many accomplishments when he was named Laureate of the 1,500 member Virginia Chapter of the American College of Physicians; and

WHEREAS, in 1998 the Sackett Heart Fund and biannual Sackett Heart Ball were created in Dr. Sackett's honor in recognition of his commitment to cardiac care in the Lynchburg area; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sackett's contributions to cardiac care are enormous, his dedication legendary, and his compassion worthy of emulation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sackett will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Louise; children, Peggy, Sally, and Leila and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of a pioneering cardiologist, Dr. Charles Henry Sackett; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Dr. Charles Henry Sackett as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.