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The Business of Health Care Report
My subject today is broadening
the definition of health. The mission of Texas Health
Resources and its 13 hospitals is to improve the health of people in the communities
we serve. But, this doesn't just mean physical and mental health. THR views health
from a much broader perspective in defining what makes a healthy community. For example, it's difficult to
have a healthy body when there's no nourishing food in a household. It's hard to
buy food without education and a job. It's difficult to learn if you are hungry.
It's impossible to have a healthy family if domestic violence is prevalent. Health
is created by many factors. So when THR embarks upon initiatives and volunteering
(more than 41,000 hours in 2002), we focus on programs that mold a healthy community. Let's take hunger as an example.
This time of year, the food pantry and food bank shelves are mostly bare. So Texas
Health's 17,000 employees recently embarked on their annual food drive, with the goal
to contribute almost 164,000 items to local food pantries. The charities receiving food are
selected locally. For example, food collected in Plano goes to Plano charities. The Texas Health Resources
corporate staff in Arlington contributed its food items to the Arlington Women's
Shelter. Consequently, the food donation becomes a double win: The Arlington Women's
Shelter does not have to pull from other food bank shelves, and victims of family
violence are supported while they get back on their feet. These are the types of collaborative
projects Texas Health Resources undertakes to improve our communities, incorporating a
broader definition of health. And, thankfully, we're just one of the generous Metroplex
companies that keeps food pantry shelves filled for those in need. For Texas Health Resources
and its family of hospitals - Harris Methodist Hospitals, Presbyterian
Healthcare System and Arlington Memorial Hospital - I'm CEO
Doug Hawthorne
with "The Business of Health Care Report" on NewsRadio 1080 KRLD.
©
2003 Texas Health Resources |
I'm Doug Hawthorne, President and CEO of Texas Health Resources, with
"The Business of Health Care Report" on 