Providence St. Joseph Medical Center breaks ground on new Rural Health Clinic

Providence St. Joseph Medical Center announces 

Providence St. Joseph Medical Center has announced a transformative multi-phase campus expansion project to significantly improve health care access and services in the Flathead and Mission Valleys. 

The $31 million project will increase access to rural health care in the region, ensuring exceptional care is available close to home. The phases include:

·         New Rural Health Clinic (Phase 1): Designed to break down barriers, increase access and build trust with continuity of care close to home.

·         Reimagined Emergency Department (Phase 2): Built to respond to urgent needs with safety, speed and compassion, with a focus on the rising need for behavioral health and substance use support.

·         Cutting-edge MRI Suite (Phase 3): Located inside the hospital, this suite will elevate the patient experience and enhance diagnostic capabilities.

On Monday, July 14, leaders and donors at St. Joe’s broke ground on the rural health clinic, the first phase of the project and fully funded through philanthropy.

The rural health clinic will double access to primary care in our region to nearly 7,000 patients a year. Referrals from those appointments will help sustain vital services in our hospital, including in-house pediatrics, general surgery, orthopedics and OB-GYN services.

The primary care clinic will accommodate seven primary care physicians, five behavioral health providers and 4-5 visiting specialists. There will be 26 exam rooms, with a new design that provides more efficient and private workspaces for providers and staff. By offering comprehensive care in one location, there will be fewer barriers for families seeking the care they need.

Rural hospitals across the country are facing unprecedented challenges and this investment is a display of incredible commitment from community donors and Providence to continue its Mission in serving all, despite the uncertain landscape of health care.

“The new rural health clinic will allow us to double capacity for new patients and additional providers. It reflects our commitment to the values that have guided St. Joe's since 1916, when the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph opened a six-bed hospital. Since then, we’ve grown - in size, in scope and in skill - but we’ve never lost sight of our Mission in serving all. This project will enable us to continue to be there for those who need us most." 

- Caryl Perdaems, chief administrative officer, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center- 

To date, lead donors have contributed $14 million towards our $18 million fundraising goal to complete the final phases of this project. The Critical Access Campaign aims to raise at least the remaining $4 million to make this multi-phase project a reality at St. Joe’s. With costs rising and health care needs growing, every dollar makes a difference.

Visit www.providence.org/MTcriticalaccess to learn more about the Critical Access Campaign.