Why We Rally For WNH

Paula Radcliff

I serve William Newton Hospital for a variety of reasons. As a rancher and resident of Dexter while owning a business in Winfield, I have lived in the area for 48 years. I’ve raised a family, provided employment, and established deep friendships while being involved in this community in a variety of ways.

One of my most enriching life experiences was serving on the EMS team for the emergency department at William Newton Hospital. My EMS experience included working part-time, volunteering with EMS reserves, and as a Dexter-area first responder.

For 25 years, I witnessed first-hand the tremendous impact our hospital has when emergencies arise and healthcare is needed. We are blessed to have William Newton Hospital and its seven rural health clinics serving our many rural communities, and I will never take it for granted.

I became reinvigorated with our hospital’s history as the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center was established. William and Mary Virginia Newton provided the gift to establish a hospital knowing a vibrant community needs to have its own hospital. H. L. Snyder (mayor at the time) and William Newton (saddle maker and philanthropist) set the stage for a community-based hospital to enrich the lives of those who live in our region. Their legacy lives on through the quality care we continue to provide.

I never take the hospital for granted. All rural health care facilities across the country are facing challenges. To think WNH would ever avoid challenges, in my thinking, is naïve. But despite any hospital challenge, over time, we always overcome. For me, it’s more important to answer the question, “what can I do to help to boldly move us forward?”

That’s why I serve the hospital as a staunch advocate, donor, volunteer, and even as a patient from time to time! It’s why I’m thrilled to serve the Beats Go On community wellness initiative providing education and information to the 3,000 square miles of the region we serve through emergency services, access to healthcare, and healing. It’s why I’ve agreed to help Annika Morris and the William Newton Healthcare Foundation plan for an expanded emergency department.

“We Are William Newton” isn’t just a catchy slogan. It’s real. It reflects the extensive number of employees, volunteers, donors, and advocates who rally for our hospital. One can’t walk down the street and not run into someone who hasn’t been served or touched by our hospital in some way.

That’s why I serve. And that’s why I passionately ask others to join our efforts to celebrate our accomplishments and pride points. It is why I unapologetically ask others to volunteer, give, and advocate to assist the collective efforts to plow through any challenge that is bound to come our way, as well as arrive at the bright future we will all be proud of. Will you join me?