IRVING, TX – The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today its 66th Annual Awards Luncheon on October 21 at the Arlington Convention Center would be cancelled. The decision was reached following a unanimous vote by the DFWHC Board of Trustees.

“We realize this event is to honor chairs of our hospital board of trustees for their conscientious service and individuals who have been noted for their leadership,” said W. Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “With the recent events in Dallas, all hospitals are working collaboratively to support Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. We will continue to offer our thoughts and prayers for the family of Thomas Eric Duncan.”

Duncan was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas, September 28 and was diagnosed with Ebola. Duncan would die from the virus October 8. Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas nurses Nina Pham and Amber Joy Vinson were placed in isolation on October 8 and October 15 after being diagnosed with the virus.

“We will continue to support the courageous employees treating victims of the Ebola virus,” said Love. “We will also keep in our thoughts and prayers the two heroic nurses battling this virus contracted while rendering compassionate healthcare. Accordingly, we did not want to have this event misunderstood as a celebration during a crucial time all of our member hospitals are working together to continue delivering excellent healthcare to the people of North Texas.”

For questions regarding the event’s cancellation, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org or Kristin Alexander at kalexander@dfwhc.org.

DFWHC is an 88 hospital and 95 associate member trade organization with more than 45 years of service to North Texas healthcare. Governed by a Board of Trustees made up of hospital executive officers, the hospital trade association is committed to the continuous improvement of patient care.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2014

CONTACT:
Chris Wilson
chrisw@dfwhc.org
(972) 719-4900