Texas hospitals and health care systems are reaching out to their communities with a wide range of innovative, resourceful programs. They are addressing the health needs of the uninsured and forging partnerships with schools, churches and other organizations to target issues beyond the traditional halls of medicine.

THA created the Excellence in Community Service Award in 1995 to honor institutions that have distinguished themselves through contributions to their community. Each year, the award recognizes a THA-member hospital or health care system that makes a major contribution to its community by creating and supporting innovative programs to meet specific needs, improve health status and enhance quality of life.

Hospitals or health care systems that are active institutional members of THA are eligible for this award. 

Selection Criteria
Contributions to the community will be evaluated by the nominee’s leadership and participation in beneficial, measurable programs that have provided a positive outcome in health status. Leadership and service may be exemplified by total community achievements or by highly visible individual programs. Please note: A community benefits plan, in and of itself, is not considered an acceptable entry. 

All nominations must include the following information:

1. Evidence of a community-identified need, as documented by local statistics, surveys, health needs assessments, etc. Please include supporting data or reports.
2. Action plan for project(s), including a budget summary that details all sources of funding.
3. Evidence of leadership in forging partnerships and collaborative efforts in the community (including identification of all involved parties and the role each played).
4. Description of program implementation, including obstacles and how they were overcome.
5. Documented measurable and objective outcomes/results of the project(s).
6. Demonstrated community response, participation and acceptance (may include newspaper articles, reports, etc.).

Selection Process

Each of the above criteria will be weighted during the selection process, with greater consideration being given to items 1, 3 and 5. Projects or programs should be in place for a minimum of three years to have yielded significant outcomes or measurable changes in health status.

In addition, projects that may be replicated in other communities will receive preferential consideration.

The selection committee is composed of THA and community leaders. Committee members’ institutions are not eligible to receive the award.

Presentation
The winning organization and its project/program will be featured in THA publications and recognized at the THA Annual Conference and Expo.

Step 1. Complete the nomination form.

Step 2. Attach a one-page executive summary, a one-page budget summary, a program description and any other supporting statements or documents, for a total of 15 pages.

Step 3. Be sure all materials are completed and SUBMITTED by the deadline.

Questions? Contact Sharon Beasley at sbeasley@tha.org or 512/465-1030.

2020: Parkland Health & Hospital System - Dallas - COVID-19 Testing Program

2019: University Health System, San Antonio - The HEB Body Adventure (Powered by University Health System)

2018: Children's Health (Dallas) - School-Based Tele-Behavioral Health Program

2017: Texas Health Resources (Arlington) - Northwest Community Center Project

2016: Seton Healthcare Family (Austin) - Project Search

2015: Medical City Children's Hospital (Dallas) – kids teaching kids

2014: Harris Health System (Houston) – Routine Universal Screening for HIV

2013: Parkland Health & Hospital System (Dallas) – Correctional Health Services

2012: East Texas Medical Center Tyler and Scott & White Healthcare – Pin-A-Sister Breast Awareness Campaign

2012: Scott & White Healthcare – Military Homefront Services Project

2011: Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, and Methodist Health System, Dallas – Neighborhood Clinics Program

2011: Methodist Health System, Dallas – Life Shines Bright Pregnancy Program

2010: Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare and University Medical Center of El Paso – El Paso Healthcare Heroes Program

2009: Harris County Hospital District, Houston – Community Behavioral Health Program

2008: Methodist Dallas Medical Center - Prostate Cancer

2007: UTMB, Galveston - Continuum of Care: A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Model for Galveston and Brazoria counties

2006: St. David's South Austin Hospital - Diabetes Management Program

2005: Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas - Homeless Outreach Medical Services program

2004: Northwest Texas Health Care System, Amarillo - Women's and Children's Healthcare Center

2003: Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston - Centers for School Program

2002: Covenant Health System, Lubbock - Exercising Body, Mind, and Spirit

2001: Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas - Community Oriented Primary Care Program

2000: Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco - KMC Diabetes Center

1999: Colorado-Fayette Medical Center - Flatonia Community Clinic; and Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen - Asthma Education Program

1998: Peterson Memorial Hospital, Kerrville - Raphael Community Free Clinic

1997: Trinity Mother Frances Health System, Tyler - Family Care Clinic

1996: Angleton/Danbury General Hospital - Community Services Plan