2022 THA Annual Conference & Expo - Texas Hospital Association

The Texas Hospital Association hosted its 2022 Annual Conference & Expo both in person and virtually, drawing in more than 400 participants and 100 exhibitors and sponsors. This year’s event focused on one of THA’s priority issues: workforce challenges. Hospital leaders and health care professionals from around the state gained insight into the most prevalent workforce issues impacting Texas hospitals, including staff recruitment and retention, workforce resilience, funding, emergency department issues and legal challenges.

In his opening remarks, THA’s president and CEO John Hawkins reinforced that “while workforce shortages existed long before the pandemic, staffing costs, burnout and other challenges have led to an unsustainable situation that threatens our ability to care for patients.”

Many workforce sessions highlighted the key issues behind the short term and long-term challenges, but the highlight of the reimagined event took place when THA hosted a workforce town hall, moderated by Joe Gagen, legislative grassroots trainer, to discuss how to advocate at the local and state level for policies and regulations affecting the Texas health care workforce.

“As an industry, we must rally around these issues we care about. We must use our collective voice to protect our patients and show courage in what we stand for,” said Hawkins.

During the conference, THA also hosted its annual awards dinner where we honored individuals and organizations from across the state who exemplify leadership and excellence in health care.

Attendees enjoyed a lively political panel discussion moderated by Evan Smith, CEO and co-founder of the Texas Tribune, featuring Ross Ramsey, executive editor and co-founder of the Texas Tribune, and Amy Walter, editor in chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. The panel discussion provided an up to the minute overview of Texas politics and health care policy, mid-term predictions and a preview of the 88th Texas legislative session.

As we forge ahead toward solutions to workforce issues, we are grateful to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors and staff whose participation made for a successful event. We look forward to building on the collaboration that took place at this year’s conference to strengthen our unified voice on key issues impacting health care across the state.