The mission of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) is to be the voice and principal advocate for rural and community hospitals in Texas and to provide leadership in addressing the special needs and issues of the state's rural and community hospitals.

Formed in April of 1990 and governed by a twenty-one member, elected Board of Directors, TORCH has developed a wide range of programs and services requested by the membership and specifically designed to assist the administrators, staff, and trustees of rural and community hospitals.
       TORCH, as a member-driven organization, responds quickly to answer concerns, supply information, and provide support to its member hospitals. Hospital administrators can also obtain the personal benefits of professional commitment, career advancement, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
       Participation in TORCH helps administrators to reduce costs and increase revenue, to improve their skills, and to provide effective management. Through participation in TORCH, administrators can help enhance the strength and stability of rural health care and will realize the return on their investment of dues paid.

TORCH Members recieve these features of association membership:

• Advocacy and Representation,
• Newsletters,
• Resource documents and publications,
• Management services and assistance,
• Hospital insurance programs,
• Workshops, seminars and educational programs, and more

Membership in TORCH is available to general acute care hospitals with 150 or fewer beds. Individuals interested in rural community health care, as well as business and commercial organizations that share a common interest in rural health care, are also welcome to join.

Information on dues and a downloadable membership application is available from the Membership Dues page.

Many rural hospitals are benefitting from diversifying by adding new programs and services for their communities. Two of those services – hospital-based home health programs and rural health clinics – are major programs, requiring the special services of their own associations:

• Texas Hospital Home Health Association (THHHA)
• Texas Association of Rural Health Clinics (TARHC)

To obtain information on the services provided by these associations and membership qualifications, call the TORCH office at 512-873-0045.