Funding to Support Regional Bozeman Health Initiatives

Yellowstone Club Community Foundation (YCCF) recently awarded Bozeman Health Foundation two capital grants totaling $762,000 to support vital health care initiatives in southwest Montana. The generous investments represent a major advancement in expanding access to essential services for the region’s growing population and health care needs. “On behalf of Bozeman Health, we are deeply grateful for Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s investment in the health and well-being of those who live, work, and recreate in our region,” said Carmen Price, manager of philanthropy communications at Bozeman Health.

The first grant, in the amount of $300,000, was used to kick-off a live-drive match challenge at the 2025 Hospitality Gala and will support construction and startup costs of southwest Montana’s first Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. The facility will serve an estimated 500 patients annually, addressing a gap in acute mental health care by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances—often 150 or more—to receive necessary treatment. “Acute mental health crisis care has long been an unmet need in our region,” said Ciara Wolfe, vice president of philanthropy at YCCF. “We are proud to support Bozeman Health in establishing this much-needed inpatient psychiatric unit to serve our community.”

The inpatient unit, scheduled to open this fall, is a crucial next step in Bozeman Health’s commitment to building a comprehensive continuum of care. The unit will comprise 14 patient beds; therapeutic activity spaces including group therapy and quiet rooms; treatment and planning areas; and a specialized emergency detention placement zone. Mental health needs across the region are escalating. In 2024 alone, Bozeman Health crisis teams conducted 1,359 mental health evaluations, with 67% involving suicidal ideation or attempts. The new unit will provide timely, compassionate, evidence-based care—right within the community.

The second grant of $462,000 will help transform 4,800 square feet of unused space on the second floor of Big Sky Medical Center (BSMC) into a modern Outpatient Specialty Clinic, an anticipated $5 million project. As Big Sky’s year-round population and tourism continue to surge, so does the need for accessible, high-quality specialty care. Presently, residents must travel long distances to access specialty services—often resulting in delayed care and increased strain. This expansion project addresses that gap by creating space for new and existing specialty services including urology; ear, nose & throat; gastroenterology, OB/GYN; and infusion services.

Since opening in 2015, BSMC has steadily grown its capabilities in response to community feedback—adding primary care providers, expanding same-day appointments, and launching specialty outreach clinics in pediatrics, hematology/oncology, general surgery and orthopedics. The clinic expansion will build on these efforts, helping reduce wait times and improve care delivery and patient health outcomes.