KEARNEY, Neb.— Many Americans live with painful hip or knee arthritis, making even simple daily activities a challenge. While joint replacement surgery is often highly effective at relieving pain and restoring mobility, the cost can put it out of reach for those without insurance.
CHI Health Good Samaritan and board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Wright are collaborating with Operation Walk USA to offer a no-cost hip or knee replacement surgery. This opportunity is available to one local, uninsured patient who fulfills the program’s eligibility requirements. With more than 23 years of experience in joint replacement surgery, Dr. Wright generously donates his time and expertise to this annual initiative.
“Serving the health of our community, especially the most vulnerable, is the very heartbeat of our mission,” says Dr. Wright. “The ability to transform a patient’s quality of life with joint replacement never ceases to amaze me. Joint replacement is one of modern medicine’s miracles. Witnessing so many patients break free from debilitating pain makes it inconceivable to me that anyone should have to continue to suffer from severe, life-limiting arthritis and compromised mobility.”
To be considered, prospective patients must be:
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In medical need of a total hip or total knee replacement surgery
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18 years of age or older
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US citizen or legal permanent resident
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Completely uninsured (no private, state or federal insurance)
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Have proven income within or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Patients who meet Operation Walk USA criteria are invited to contact CHI Health Clinic Orthopedics (Good Samaritan) at 308-865-2600 to learn more or visit: operationwalkusa.org. The scheduled surgery will likely take place between Nov. 30 and Dec. 5, 2026.
In 2019, Dr. Wright performed the first Operation Walk USA charitable hip replacement surgery in Nebraska at CHI Health Good Samaritan. The uninsured recipient had endured a congenital hip defect for 51 years. Following the surgery the patient reported complete pain relief and, for the first time, was able to walk without a severely uneven gait. The patient expressed excitement about playing ball with his grandchildren and hunting with his wife.
