Farm Credit Services Awards McKenzie Co. Healthcare Systems $3,869

Farm Credit Services of North Dakota is proud to announce that it has awarded the Benefit Fund of the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems $3,869 as a recipient of the Rural Community Grant Fund (RCGF). The grant funds will help purchase additional equipment to expand telemedicine services.

Lynn Welker, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems (MCHS) Public Relations and Fundraising, was pleased to accept the check from Farm Credit Services, and utilize the grant funds towards this equipment purchase.

The services provided by MCHS are essential to the communities they serve. They cover a large geographic area stretching across western North Dakota including Watford City, New Town, Mandaree, Williston, Grassy Butte, Arnegard, Alexander, Tioga, Stanley, Bowbells and Bottineau. "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have seen an increased need to be capable of seeing patients virtually and expanding telemedicine services across their region. The equipment they will purchase with these grant dollars will enable their providers to increase patient volume and follow critical safety guidelines," says David Hokanson, Williston Branch Manager with Farm Credit Services of North Dakota.

MCHS has trained providers in the use of telemedicine. "We are happy to award funds for equipment to help them improve their healthcare services for those needing expedited or ongoing care in our rural areas as well as promote safe procedures," Hokanson adds.

Farm Credit Services of North Dakota, Farm Credit Services of Mandan and AgriBank, established the Rural Community Grant Fund to assist in the implementation and development of projects and programs in communities and rural areas in western North Dakota which have been impacted by mineral exploration.

The Rural Community Grant Fund is currently accepting applications for future funding requests. Interested parties can apply at http://www.farmcreditnd.com.