AUSTIN, Texas (May 10, 2010) – As National Hospital Week (May 9 – 15) is celebrated across the country, the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) congratulates its member hospitals who continue to serve their communities.

“National Hospital Week is about appreciation of the healthcare professionals who are the true wonder of medicine,” said David Pearson, president of TORCH. “For that, we congratulate them for their service.”

What began in 1921 as the brainchild of a magazine editor who wanted to educate the public about the work of hospitals, National Hospital Week has become the nation’s largest healthcare celebration.

“National Hospital Week is about the celebration of hospitals and those who work each day to ensure their communities remain healthy,” said Pearson. “For 20 years, we’ve helped rural Texas hospitals keep their doors open and thrive. It’s important for them to continue to serve their community and we’re happy we’ve been able to help.”

The high rate of hospital closures was just one of the reasons TORCH was founded in 1990. Although rural healthcare continues to face challenges, TORCH has served as an advocate and resource leader for rural and community hospitals.

Hospitals are a critical element of rural communities that represent a majority of Texas. The people who power these hospitals are the true heroes and TORCH acknowledges their service to the people who need it most.