WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today secured $650,000 in funding for Missoula area hospitals in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.

“It’s critical we ensure Montana’s hospitals continue to provide the best quality healthcare to folks across the state,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.  “And focusing on the needs of the Garden City is an important part of that effort.  These funds will help provide Missoula with the resources necessary to continue to provide quality care.”

The bill includes $500,000 for Community Medical Center for the replacement of outdated life equipment.  Additionally, the funds will provide for the purchase of a new digital mammography unit, state-of-the-art infant warmers, and installation of an infant and child security system.

“We are honored that Congressman Rehberg recognizes the leadership role Community Medical Center plays in providing high risk obstetric and neonatal services to the mothers and babies of Western Montana,” Steve Carlson, CEO of Community Medical Center.  “This funding and the Congressman’s support is critical to ensure that this mission remains strong and continues to serve a growing population of Montanans in the region.”

The bill also includes $150,000 for St. Patrick Hospital for construction of a new mental health care unit within the hospital’s emergency department.  The new mental health unit will include: 3 mental health/substance abuse rooms, nurses’ station, utility rooms and a security office, storage rooms for restraints and other equipment, a “sally port garage” with automatic doors that close to prevent flight by patients who might injure themselves or others at the facility, a state-of-the-art camera monitoring system for security purposes, and a supervisor station at the emergency department for mental health cases.

“We’re extremely grateful for Congressman Rehberg’s continued support of St. Patrick Hospital,” Jeff Fee, CEO of St. Patrick Hospital.  “These funds will help us expand our facilities and improve our ability to provide this much-needed service to the Missoula community.”

Rehberg plans to tour the St. Patrick Hospital Mental Health Facility early next week.

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