Funding Priorities
Invested in the Health & Well-Being of Southwest Montana
Since its inception in 1998, Bozeman Health Foundation has worked diligently to build philanthropic partnerships with those who reside in and visit southwest Montana. Charitable support has influenced the growth of virtually every department at Bozeman Health.
Significant advancements have been made in cancer care, cardiovascular services, emergency medicine, intensive care, psychiatric care and pediatric specialties.
Specific projects made possible by the generosity
of our community:
Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Big Sky Specialties Clinic Expansion
Cancer Center
In April 2024, more than $870,000 was raised at the annual Bozeman Health Foundation Hospitality Gala, a record amount in the Gala’s 25-year history. Proceeds are supporting items and services such as: 26 new infusion chairs, two ultrasound machines, eight new high-tech patient monitors, an oral laser, an onsite nutritionist and a dedicated naturopath partner who will be embedded in the center to provide support and integrative medicine options to patients at no or little cost. In February 2015 proud donors and community leaders gathered to celebrate the role of private philanthropy in supporting the extensively renovated Bozeman Health Cancer Center. Together, Bozeman Health Foundation and its supporters raised over $2.7 million, exceeding our original goal of $2.5 million.
In 2014, the Cancer Center expansion included a new linear accelerator for radiation treatments and an expansion to the infusion area. The linear accelerator is housed in a door-less vault and allows patients to receive maximum doses of radiation while protecting healthy tissue. After the expansion to the infusion area there is now a total of 17 infusion chairs, two private infusion rooms and 11 examination rooms, and the lab and pharmacy areas increased to accommodate current and projected growth. All of these features will have a favorable impact on not only the quality and safety of care, but will increase comfort and privacy for patients. The goal of the Cancer Center is to ensure that patients can remain home during their cancer care.
In 2006, medical oncology and radiation oncology services were integrated together in an expanded cancer healing center largely funded through charitable donations. The center promotes a team approach to oncology care. Bozeman Health Cancer Center utilizes the latest diagnostic technology available, from state-of-the-art mammography equipment to CT scanners, Bozeman Health’s expert cancer team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, urologists, OB-GYNs, gastroenterologists, dermatologists and pathologists works together to effectively diagnose and treat cancer wherever it strikes. In 2004, the BAT system was added. BAT is an ultrasound-based organ localization device that results in rapid and precise localization of internal anatomy during radiation treatment. BAT is also considered a valuable tool for treating cancers of the breast, bladder, liver, pancreas and neck.
In 2000, 3-dimensional and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technology was acquired to upgrade the linear accelerator, vastly improving cure rates by allowing for maximum dosage of radiation while minimizing long-term side effects to healthy tissue and organs. In 1998, through the Destination Home Capital Campaign, a state-of-the-art cancer center was established with a new linear accelerator for the provision of local radiation therapy. Expanded services enabled patients and their families to avoid costly and stressful travel for this lengthy treatment.
The Bozeman Health Cancer Center is a member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), which is a group of expert physicians from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital. This partnership allows us to offer the latest treatment options to our patients locally, without costly and stressful travel. All of our physicians have access to the latest information about diagnosing and treating cancer as well as information on clinical studies for targeted cancer therapies, even before they may become widely available.
Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
In 2002, a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) was established with half of the funding coming from charitable contributions. This facility enabled physicians and technicians to perform diagnostic procedures and offer treatment for several cardiac conditions. In addition to angiography—a diagnostic process in which dye is injected into the bloodstream so the heart and circulatory system can be viewed at work in live x-ray-like images—many problem areas identified can be treated as well. Stents, angioplasty and atherectomy are among the treatment options available.
In 2005, a cardiovascular ultrasound for diagnosing ailments of the heart and circulatory system was added through charitable support. This technology is more precise and accurate than ever before thanks to continuing developments and improvements in “imaging technology.” Cardiovascular specialists now have the ability to see and study the heart and blood vessels in amazing detail with several minimally invasive procedures.
In 2007, donors established the Cardiovascular Training Center. This center is American Heart Association accredited and provides education and certification to medical professionals from Bozeman and nearby communities.
Emergency Department Expansion
To meet emergency medicine needs, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital initiated a $15 million project to renovate and expand the emergency department. The new 25-room/27-bed facility now provides enormous benefits for both those who receive and provide emergency care. The larger area offers appropriate space for advanced services, bigger rooms for modern beds and technology, and increased efficiency. To fund this critical project, Bozeman Health Foundation conducted the largest capital campaign in its history. The Cornerstone Campaign – Realizing the Vision for Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital achieved unprecedented success by reaching its $9 million goal.
Philanthropic support was received from all areas of the community—individuals, corporations, foundations, as well as those closest to the hospital, doctors, nurses, administration, employees and board members of both the hospital and the foundation. For this level of support, we are truly grateful!
The construction pictures begin with the March 28, 2011, groundbreaking and continued through project completion in January of 2013.
Mammography Project
Spiritual Care
In 2000, charitable giving made it possible for a new chapel to be created. This effort established a visible and welcoming sacred space inviting to people of all faiths or none at all. The project included construction to enclose the interior structure of the chapel, heating and ventilation renovations as well as furnishings and accessories. The larger, brighter and more open space helped fulfill the spiritual needs of patients and their families, staff and guests. It is truly the spiritual center for the whole medical campus.
In 2002 during phase two of this fundraising effort, a glorious wall of stained glass was added. This work of art, created by David Fjeld, provides shelter from the hot summer sun and offers a focal point for those spending precious moments in this truly spiritual space. In 2005 during the final fundraising phase, the healing garden was put in place as an extension of the chapel. Patients, family members and employees enjoy the serenity of the outdoors, and benefit from the fresh mountain air, running waters and greenery.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
In Fall 2020, Bozeman Health opened Southwest Montana’s first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and new Family Birth Center. These two facilities are now part of the women’s and children’s tower at Deaconess Hospital. Up until this point, Bozeman was without a NICU, and the closest one was over an hour away. Through the Caring Forward Campaign, we were able to raise charitable support to bring this new tower to life.
The NICU opens as a Level II NICU, meaning that most babies born as early as 32 weeks gestation can be cared for within the unit; it is anticipated that it will transition to a Level III NICU, providing care for babies born as early as 28 weeks gestation. The addition of the NICU brought two neonatologists and a maternal-fetal medicine physician to the Deaconess Hospital care team.
Psychiatric Emergency Services
Well Beyond Care Fund
In 2023, Bozeman Health Foundation launched the Well Beyond Care Fund, a patient support fund aimed at removing health care barriers and increasing access to services and other needs that are not reimbursable by private insurance or Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs. Support from the fund includes things like transportation assistance to appointments, lodging for patients who travel long distances for treatment, medical equipment and supplies, and special nutritional items that are vital to healing, and much more.