Healthcare is a crucial part of building a community. From treating a cold to helping bring a new life into the world, the healthcare industry is one of the most important parts of building a healthy and ever-growing community.
The greater Arlington area is lucky enough to have one of the best medical facilities in the nation with some of the best doctors and healthcare staff you could ask for. Texas Health Arlington Memorial is a staple of Arlington and has been since the community came together to build this exceptional hospital in 1958.
Arlington Memorial started out as a nonprofit healthcare facility but eventually needed to look for other avenues to have more resources and information as the medical industry was growing and newer life-saving technologies were becoming available. Thus in 1997, Arlington Memorial was asked to join Texas Health Resources and the rest is history.
Blake Kretz, President of THAM for the past eight years, sat down and spoke to us about the origins of the hospital and what makes it such a rewarding job.
Arlington Memorial was asked to join the Texas Health Resources umbrella due to their amazing reputation and the need for a central hospital that could help support smaller doctor offices in the area.
As Arlington Memorial began working closely with Texas Health, they realized just how compatible their cultures were and how perfect this merger was for not only the business but for the community. By merging, Arlington Memorial was able to benefit with access to more resources and have more support with information and physician recruitment. This has helped the hospital have up-to-date medical care along with the best physicians and technology.
When asked about how the COVID-19 Pandemic changed the healthcare system and the way THAM operates, Blake Kretz was very honest. During a completely unprecedented time the hospital staff was able to come together and adapt in a world unknown.
“It was a real honor to lead the hospital through it. It was humbling to see the staff adapt,” says Kretz. Through the long days, this one-of-a-kind experience, although unimaginably tough for the entire industry and world, is something that Kretz and his team will never forget. Kretz even feels rewarded that he was lucky enough to be a part of a team that were quick on their feet and did not stop when it seemed like the world around them did.
Being successful through a Pandemic is impressive but being successful and supported by the community for 65 years is an entirely different feat of success. Kretz believes that this success not only has to do with patient loyalty and a great team of physicians, but the culture that the hospital exudes.
This culture and the Chamber’s culture is not much different. 51 years ago, THAM understood just how much of a community asset the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is and they have never looked back. The hospital sees the value of the Chamber not only on the business side but also in the way of improving the lifestyle of greater Arlington citizens.
Texas Health Arlington Memorial is a proud member of the Chamber and a proud member of the community. Blake Kretz says, “We are proud to be serving this community for 60 years and we will be here for the next 60 years. It has been a privilege.”
For even more information on THAM and their long Arlington History, check out our Member Spotlight with Blake Kretz on our Youtube Channel.