Paddle for Polen 2020 Update

Due to COVID-19 pandemic response, the second annual Paddle for Polen canoe and kayak fundraising event scheduled for June 20 has been canceled. The event was to be held at the Winfield City Lake.

“While this was a difficult decision for our community health center to make, we greatly care about our community’s safety and wellbeing,” said David Brazil, CEO.

The canoe races support the Polen Fund for the Medically Underserved, which provides medical care including specialty services for community members who do not have adequate insurance. It is named for the late Rev. Allen Polen and his spouse, Joyce, and it is housed at the Legacy Foundation.

“We have spoken with the event’s sponsors and appreciate their ongoing support of our health center during this time of crisis,” said Taylor Schwartz, Outreach Coordinator.

Health center officials emphasized that with community help, we can lessen the impact of coronavirus.

Per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools available to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally, across the country and the world. Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. CDC and KDHE guidance to practice physical distancing strongly recommends individuals stay out of crowded places and avoid gatherings such as the planned fundraising event.

Although the health center is not registering participants for 2020, organizers hope and plan to be able to host this event in 2021. Center volunteers are also considering hosting a fun virtual event. Supporters wishing to donate directly to the endowed fund for the medically underserved may send contributions by check to: Legacy Foundation, PO Box 713, Winfield, KS 67156.