CT Upgrade Funded by Major Donor

September 27, 2024

Released by:  Benefit Fund of McKenzie Health

Billy Carlson Donates $50,000 to CT Upgrade to Assist with Neck Injections and Biopsies

Watford City, North Dakota

September 27, 2024 – Our Radiology Department is receiving an important software upgrade and staff training opportunity thank you to a generous $50,000 donation from Billy Carlson. The CT upgrade for CT Fluoroscopy, which is needed for neck injections and biopsies, has been ordered and is on the way. The plan is to have the service underway by early December after receipt and implementation. Of his gift, Billy states, “It is easy to give to a group that you know will use it properly.”

Carlson grew up in Watford City and moved away at 18. He followed his career path which ultimately led him home in 2008. Billy had an opportunity at Northern States Fishing Tools in 2009. Gary Brown and Alfred Brown provided him with an opportunity to build something big around fishing and rental services in Western North Dakota and Eastern Montana. Now, Billy has 50 staff members and fondly reflects on his start as an employee, grateful for the chance the Brown family gave him.

“I have known and previously worked with Billy for many years. He has consistently supported our local community by generously donating both his time and finances. He has done this personally as well as through his company, Northern States Fishing Tools. We, at McKenzie Health, have greatly benefited from Billy’s generosity,” states Gary Brown, Benefit Fund of McKenzie Health Board Treasurer.

“My folks are the reason I am who I am. They are getting to that age where they are going in for certain medical things to make sure they’re healthy. Mom had a broken hip, which wasn’t diagnosed correctly while in Wyoming. The facility there didn’t have the proper equipment to care for her. I am blessed. Gary helped me become who I am, and I want to share my blessings,” said Billy.

Pete Edis, CEO of McKenzie Health, added, “Support from Billy’s organization has been so appreciated and to receive a donation from him as an individual is icing on the cake. It shows the level of support that we have from our community members, not just businesses, but individuals. Costs for all of our equipment do not get any less expensive. These donations help us stay current and bring technology to our community that wouldn’t otherwise be available. It is one thing when someone says thank you, but it is really something when someone says thank you with $50,000.”

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Welker-Fevold, MMHC, ACHE
307-399-4145
lynn@mchsnd.org