THA’s 2025 Annual Conference: Advocacy, Achievement and Honoring Excellence

One year and seven months. That’s how much time has passed since hospital leaders from around Texas gathered at the Texas Hospital Association’s annual conference. For the first time, the Texas Hospital Association hosted its conference later in the year, convening hospital leaders and health care professionals from across the state in San Antonio this September. The new timeframe provided a timely platform to reflect on the outcomes of the 89th Texas Legislature, discuss the most pressing issues facing health care today and look ahead to the innovations shaping tomorrow.

Across two days of programming, attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions on how hospitals can navigate ongoing workforce challenges, harness technology and artificial intelligence and strengthen their advocacy voice. Special sessions underscored the urgency of telling health care’s story – from sharing hospital outcomes with the public to engaging lawmakers on the Capitol steps – reinforcing the power of Texas hospitals when they speak with one voice.

“The THA Annual Conference is a testament to the strength and spirit of Texas hospitals,” said Jim Kendrick, president/CEO of Community Hospital Corporation and THA’s 2025 board chair. “In San Antonio, we gathered not only to share knowledge and celebrate excellence, but also to stand together on the issues that matter most – from protecting vital hospital resources to strengthening the workforce that delivers care every day. It is through this unity that we safeguard the future of health care in Texas while reaffirming our shared commitment to the patients and families who rely on us.”

Legislative Achievements at the Forefront

The fall timing of this year’s conference shone a spotlight on the recently concluded legislative session – one that carried immense implications for hospitals and patients across Texas. Some of the most notable outcomes included:

Safeguarding vital hospital financing tools such as Medicaid supplemental payments and the 1115 waiver, ensuring hospitals can continue delivering essential services;
Strengthening the behavioral health continuum, with legislation aimed at expanding access and resources statewide;
Advancing workforce pipeline initiatives to address shortages and bolster retention in critical hospital roles;
Preserving hospitals’ participation in the 340B drug pricing program, protecting access to affordable medications;
Securing emergency preparedness and trauma system funding to reinforce hospitals’ ability to respond to crises; and
Clarifying standards through the Life of the Mother Act, offering critical protections for physicians providing emergency care related to pregnancy.

“Despite a challenging legislative environment, we emerged united and achieved meaningful victories for Texas hospitals,” said Carrie Kroll, THA vice president of advocacy and public policy. “Protecting financing tools and strengthening behavioral health resources were critical steps forward, but our work is not finished. With looming threats such as DSH cuts and the future of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, Texas hospitals must remain united and unwavering in our advocacy.”

These outcomes reflect the success of a collective advocacy effort – proof that when Texas hospitals stand together, they can shape a stronger, more sustainable health care system for the future.

Recognizing Excellence Across Texas

The conference also served as a stage to honor the remarkable hospitals, health systems and leaders whose achievements embody the best of Texas health care. From innovation in quality and patient safety to extraordinary community outreach, this year’s award recipients exemplified the dedication, compassion and vision that inspire progress across our state.

“The individuals and hospitals we honored this year remind us what distinguishes Texas health care – a relentless pursuit of excellence, compassion in service and innovation that benefits entire communities,” said John Hawkins, THA president/CEO. “By leading with vision and compassion, they are shaping the future of health care in ways that will resonate for years to come.”

Excellence In Community Service 2025 Award

United Regional Health Care System

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The Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes hospitals and health care systems that have distinguished themselves through contributions to their community.

United Regional Health Care System was awarded THA’s Excellence in Community Service Award for their Mobile Pantry Health Screenings Program that addresses both nutrition and health care access.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie

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The Texas Hospital Association Bill Aston Award for Quality honors hospitals’ measurable success in improving quality and patient outcomes through the sustained implementation of a national and/or state evidence-based patient care initiative.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie was awarded THA’s 2025 Bill Aston Award for Quality for its Wound Care Program.

Scottish Rite for Children Dallas

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Scottish Rite for Children Dallas was awarded THA’s 2025 Bill Aston Award for Quality for its initiative to standardize prescribing, cut unused narcotics and maintain effective pain control.

Joel Allison

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The Legends Award is a special award of merit given to those leaders who went above and beyond the call of duty for hospitals, patients and the health care industry throughout their careers. Honorees are retired hospital or health care system CEOs who served in Texas and have made significant contributions to THA and to the health care industry.

Joel Allison was awarded THA’s 2025 Legends Award for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the health care field during his career that spanned more than 40 years.

Jeff Turner, MSHA

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Created by THA’s Rural Hospital Council, the Pioneer Award honors a rural hospital administrator or CEO who demonstrates creative and innovative leadership in the organization and community he or she serves.

Jeff Turner, MSHA, was awarded THA’s 2025 Pioneer Award for his creative and innovative management achievements, commitment to community and transformative leadership in rural health care.

Looking Ahead to Fort Worth in 2026

As the final session closed, attention turned to what’s ahead for Texas hospitals and health care. THA is proud to announce that the 2026 Annual Conference will take place in Fort Worth next September. Building on the momentum of San Antonio, next year’s gathering promises to once again unite hospital leaders, policymakers and partners in pursuit of excellence, advocacy and innovation.

The 2025 THA Annual Conference reaffirmed what makes Texas hospitals exceptional: resilience in the face of challenge, unity in advocacy and an unwavering commitment to patients. THA looks forward to welcoming members and partners to Fort Worth in 2026 as we continue to advance health care together.