William Newton Healthcare Foundation

Navigating Today's Healthcare Challenges,

like Swimming the Strait of Gibraltar

Local physician Wade Turner, MD successfully completed the 12-14 mile Strait of Gibraltar Swim in 4 hours and 52 minutes on Monday September 5th, 2011. Dr. Turner decided to tackle the grueling Strait to raise awareness about the critical shortage of rural physicians and the extreme pressures on community hospitals. Dr. Turner also hopes to promote healthy living, swimming as a lifelong sport for kids and adults, and support local healthcare.

Though he has completed the swim, Dr. Turner still hasn't reached his fundraising goal. Follow this link to help Wade meet his goal and help the Foundation ensure we have an adequate number of primary care providers in our community!

The Strait of Gibraltar Swim

The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe from Africa with over 12 miles of busy current from the Atlantic Ocean. Over 300 major vessels and innumerable small craft pass through the Strait daily. This will require much planning and training to make happen. Fewer people have successfully completed this swim than have summated Mount Everest! Dr. Turner equates this to taking care of patients in the current medical climate. Navigating the medical water has many obstacles and sharks also. Keeping a small town hospital state of the art is necessary to attract new patients, new physicians, and provide the quality care the community has become accustomed. The Turners' hope to raise awareness and support of the needs in the community as everyone navigates through the future challenges of healthcare.

How You can Help

Dr. Turner is personally financing his trip. He feels the community has supported him and his family through some challenging times. Dr. Turner is excited to be able to give back to the community so that we can better survive the challenges put before us with Healthcare Reform. His hope is that as the community becomes aware of the "rough waters" of healthcare, individuals would consider a contribution to the William Newton Healthcare Foundation. All monies raised by Dr. Turner will go directly to recruiting physicians to the community. Dr. Turner is doing presentations upon request. If you would like more information, contact the Foundation Office at 620-222-6275 or email at foundation@wnmh.org.