Radcliff Lecture Series Ready for Round Two
With a focus on viewing issues affecting rural health through
an environmental lens, the second session of the Radcliff
Lecture Series on Rural Health will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
August 30 at the Physicians Pavilion Assembly Room at 1230 E. 6th Ave.
in Winfield.
Hosted by William Newton Healthcare Foundation in conjunction with
the Beats Go On community wellness initiative, Benjamin Anderson, vice
president for rural health and hospitals at the Colorado Hospital Association,
will present “Cultivating the Soil for Rural Communities to Thrive.”
Attendees will learn how the USDA's four principles of soil health
were leveraged to improve the health and well-being of a rural Kansas community
and the people serving its local hospital.
“With rural communities in mind, what if we liken our neighbors -
including healthcare workers - to seedlings that require a healthy environment
at work and home to grow and thrive?” asks Anderson. “What excites me about
coming to Cowley County is that it’s a microcosm for all of America: the
struggles and aspects of rural America that one experiences here are things
that we grapple with as a nation. It seems that Cowley County has an
interconnectedness that is so integral to success; high performance does not have
to be connected to size.”
Anderson attributes the single, most important determinant of
health in a community to strong, confident, and transformational leadership,
where all stakeholders are willing to work together to overcome shared
struggles. “There is great potential here, and I look forward to being a part
of that conversation.”
In his role at the Colorado Hospital Association, Anderson
provides leadership and direction in the development and execution of the
association’s rural strategies and advocates on behalf of rural hospitals and
health systems. He has 20 years of experience in healthcare and non-profit
administration and is a nationally recognized leader in health equity and
transforming rural healthcare. Prior to joining Colorado Hospital Association,
he spent six years as CEO of Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kan.
The Radcliff Lecture Series on Rural Health is funded by Paula
Radcliff through the William Newton Healthcare Foundation. Radcliff, a local
rancher and business owner, served the region for 27 years as an
emergency medical technician at William Newton Hospital, co-chaired the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center
campaign, and is co-chair of the Beats Go On community wellness initiative
aimed at providing wellness education and fostering collaborative partnerships.
Radcliff says one of the goals of the lecture series is to bring
best practices in rural health to our community’s attention. “Benjamin Anderson
is deeply engaged in rural health, and I’m delighted we have someone so
accomplished and experienced coming to our community.”
While this event is geared towards community leaders and
healthcare providers, all are welcome. Lunch is provided by Union State
Bank. In addition, the Docking family will host a meet and greet with
Anderson at 5:00 p.m. that evening at the Winfield Country Club.
Seating for the
luncheon is limited to 60 attendees. To reserve your seat, call the
William Newton Healthcare Foundation at 620-222-6276 or email foundationdir@wnmh.org by
August 28.
To learn more about the Beats Go On community wellness initiatives or schedule a speaker for your
organization, visit www.wnhcares.org/foundation/2ndcentury/beats.
