Shawnee Mission Medical Center president and CEO, Samuel H. Turner, Sr., was honored in Kansas City on January 31, 2008, by President George W. Bush for his volunteer work with the American Heart Association. The award was part of the USA Freedom Corps, an office of the White House created to strengthen and expand volunteer service nationwide.
The President touched down in Kansas City aboard Air Force One, and briefly stopped between the plane and his motorcade to present Turner with a small box containing a special lapel pin. After shaking hands and thanking Turner for his volunteer contributions, President Bush climbed in the waiting SUV and was whisked away.
“Being recognized by the White House for my volunteer work is extremely humbling and very unexpected,” Turner said. “I’ve always believed the work I don’t get paid for is by far the most rewarding aspect of my career. Because I have personal experience with loved ones being affected by heart disease and stroke, I am passionate about this cause and hope my grandchildren’s generation will know a time without these conditions.”
Turner has volunteered for seven years with the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate as an active leader and volunteer in community programs, advocacy and revenue generation efforts. Turner is former Chairman of the Heartland Affiliate Board of Directors and also serves on the National Board of Directors. He is an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke initiative and helps heighten stroke education and awareness throughout the African-American community. He served as the chairperson of the Greater Kansas City Heart Walk in 2005 and 2006, raising more than $1 million each year to help in the fight against heart disease and stroke. In addition, Turner was honored in 2007 as the American Heart Association Volunteer of the Year.