American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29 Donates $25,000 for Orthopedic Surgical Instruments

Watford City, ND – American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29 has donated $25,000 to the Benefit Fund of McKenzie County Healthcare Systems toward the purchase of orthopedic surgical instruments. The funds will help offset expenses associated with large bone power tools and a micro drill necessary as part of an orthopedic surgeon's "tool kit", which to a layperson looks very similar to items used in woodworking or carpentry projects.

Surgical services are new to McKenzie County Healthcare Systems (MCHS) and come with a hefty price tag. Close to $1 million has been invested in building and implementing the surgical program that will soon be capable of providing solutions for joint replacements; carpal tunnel procedures; sports-related injuries; and trauma, to name a few. Dr. Ravindra Joshi, an orthopedic surgeon, joined MCHS in December 2018. He has already seen 100 patients in the Watford City area. Dr. Joshi's advanced skill set and patient-centered approach has improved the quality of life for more than 100,000 patients so far in his orthopedic career.

Comprising the board of the American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29 are Glenn Wahus, Department Commander and Post 29's Trust Chairman; Lance Renville, Club & Gaming Manager; Shawn Krabbenhoft, Post 29 Commander; and John Carns, Board Chairman. Through charitable gaming funds, Post 29 has donated over $4 million in the Watford City area since the early 90s. Of this gift, Wahus said, "We wanted to help out with the new hospital in an area where a great need exists. We're excited to help with the surgical instruments and glad that people will be able to receive surgical services here in the community without having to travel several hours."

Kelly Peterson, Vice-Chair of the Benefit Fund Board and former ACL repair patient of Dr. Joshi's, said, "The American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29 has been so generous to the community for decades! Gifts like this one help us to continue to bring new services to Watford City. Thank you to this outstanding group for a $25,000 gift that will improve mobility for many."

Dr. Joshi is seeing orthopedic patients now in the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems' Specialty Clinic. The surgical team has many key players in place and is almost fully-established. Surgical operations will begin taking place in early March.

"MCHS is very grateful to be the recipient of this generous $25,000 gift from Post 29 and truly appreciate their kindness toward our community especially as it concerns the health and well-being of neighbors," stated Dan Kelly, CEO of MCHS.