The board for one of the country’s largest hospital associations will continue to include leaders from the Rio Grande Valley.
Regional Vice President for South Texas Health System Charles “Chuck” Stark was appointed to the Texas Hospital Association’s board of trustees with his term beginning on Dec. 31.
The THA advocates for hospitals and health care systems throughout the state, aiming to “enhance its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care,” for Texans, according to a news release.
It represents more than 85% of acute-care hospitals and health care systems in the state.
“We are living in a time when hospitals, and those who work to provide healthcare and help support patient caregivers, are fulfilling an unprecedented need within each community,” Stark stated in a news release. “The Texas Hospital Association Board serves an important role of advocating for those hospitals, caregivers and support team members to ensure that adequate funding and resources are dedicated to meet the needs of each community in Texas.
“I am honored to represent the people of South Texas and the great State of Texas as the newest member of the THA Board and assist the organization in its advocacy and education missions.”
South Texas Health System operates several facilities throughout Hidalgo County, including five hospitals.
Stark has led STHS since 2008, with his responsibilities including overseeing its 11 facilities as well as hospitals in Laredo and Eagle Pass. In 2020, his responsibilities were expanded to include oversight of acute care facilities in Amarillo, Texamo, Texas, and Enid, Oklahoma that belong to Universal Health Services, STHS’ parent company.
The current THA board includes Susan Turley, president of DHR Health, and Manuel “Manny” Vela, CEO of Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.
