Radcliff Lecture Series Ready for Round Two

Aug 17, 2023

• Share on Facebook
• Tweet
• Pin it
• Share on LinkedIn

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 by August 28.

Learn more about the Beats Go On community wellness initiatives or schedule a speaker for your organization.