December 2023 Providing professional care with a personal touch — all day, every day, all year
Local Doctor Earns State & National Awards Dr. Joel J. Johnson receives State and National Recognition in 2023
On March 9th of this year, Dr. Joel J. Johnson answered a phone call that at first he thought was a joke. It was Donna Douglas from the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) in Kansas City, Missouri, calling him to congratulate him being named the Rural Health Practitioner of the Year. After sitting down to take the call and realizing this was actually happening, Dr. Johnson humbly and with great appreciation verbally accepted the award. An awards ceremony in San Diego, California, was held in May where Dr. Johnson accepted the distinguished national award from the NRHA, the national membership organization that brings together thousands of members across the country with a mission to provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. Then, at the end of March, the Center for Rural Health announced the recipient of the 2023 North Dakota Outstanding Rural Health Provider. The recipient was Dr. Johnson. Those that know him and work alongside him know just how deserving he is of these prestigious state and national awards. The recognitions are truly a testament to the great work Dr. Johnson has done and continues to do for rural health care. Hardworking, compassionate, and dedicated, Dr. Johnson is an asset to the community in so many ways, and we are so thankful for his leadership, contributions, and excellence at First Care Health Center (FCHC) in improving the health of patients, families, and our community. A provider that treats and cares for generations of a family at a time, makes himself available to his patients, treats ear infections in the Clinic and reads EKGs in the Emergency Room, Dr. Johnson encompasses the grit and overall dedication of being a rural health practitioner. As Marcus Dr. Johnson accepted his 2023 national award, Lewis, CEO / Administrator of FCHC mentioned in his letter the Rural Health Practitioner of the Year, on nominating Dr. Johnson for the Rural Health Practitioner of the stage at the NRHA’s Annual Rural Health Year Award, “His commitment to patients, fellow clinicians, Conference in San Diego in May. support staff, and the community is second to none.” SEE NATIONAL AWARD on page 6
Merry Christmas Wishes & Happy New Year Wishes Whether it’s the peacefulness of snow falling on a crisp and clear winter night or stillness of lights on a Christmas tree in the early morning hours, there is something magical that seems to dawn on us during this time of year causing us to reflect and appreciate the things that bring warmth to our hearts, smiles to faces, and strength to us as a community the whole year through. As we reflect on 2023, we are extremely thankful for our supportive community. From Auxiliary events and those intricate handmade dishtowels in the gift case to providing insight as we look to the future and supporting causes that advance medical care in our region, we are thankful for you. Wishing you peace, joy, and very good health for the holiday season and throughout the new year. We appreciate the trust you place in our staff and our clinic and hospital for your health and your family’s care. From all of us at First Care Health Center, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!
www.firstcarehc.com • Hospital: 701-284-7500 • Clinic: 701-284-7555
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