Our Stories

Providence Montana Health Foundation distributed more than $11 million in funds in 2021 to our hospitals and clinics, and allowed for the purchase of new equipment and critical resources thanks to gifts and commitments from our donors. Take a look at our Gratitude Report to find out more about the impact of philanthropy in our communities. 

The Dr. William “Bill” Bekemeyer Scholarship will provide educational funding for Providence Montana caregivers pursuing education or an advanced degree or certificate in health care, with preference given to nursing, respiratory therapy and pharmacy.

Healing can take many forms, and Providence St. Patrick Hospital strives to provide all the medical, emotional and spiritual healing they can to their patients and staff alike. Volunteer Services Coordinator Tammy Whitehead describes a program that brings smiles throughout the hospital--PAWS Pet Therapy.

You may have noticed new signs around town and a new name for St. Patrick Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. The name is Providence. Chief Mission Officer Karen Myers explains how this new brand expresses who they are internally.

St. Joe’s has received $55,220 in grant funding in 2021 for their work in treating individuals with substance use disorder. In 2020, the Montana Hospital Association awarded St. Joe's integrated Medication Assisted Treatment program the 2020 Excellence in Behavioral Health Service Award.

As the Boulder Fire spread, the Linderman gym was awash with volunteers and food and clothes and supplies within a matter of hours. It seemed like the entire town pitched in.

St. Pat's International Heart Institute will soon have a new SPECT/CT camera thanks to a generous $1.4 million gift from  Bill and Dr. Jeanne Wilson of Missoula. 

St. Patrick House provides a home away from home for people who need to travel to Missoula for medical services not available where they live. House Manager Aaron Hoppe explains why the Providence Montana Health Foundation provides this service.

"Providence St. Patrick Hospital wants to shine a light on the members of the community who have given selflessly to improve healthcare for everyone."

William “Bill” and Dr. Jeanne Wilson said they felt compelled to send a message of gratitude.  “We are delighted to help ensure the Providence excellence is available for many years to come.”

Kenny Flaherty, a guest at St. Patrick House and patient at Providence St. Patrick Hospital, and House Manager Aaron Hoppe examine the miracle of treating people as whole persons, rather than as a sum of their diagnoses, and reflect on the Irish proverb, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.”