Every year, at the beginning of August, Blacktail Health (formerly Southwest Montana Community Health Center) celebrates National Community Health Center Week. This year, we are going bigger than before, and we hope the community will join us! Throughout the week, we will host a series of appreciation events for our patients, staff, and community partners. You can find us for our kick-off event at the Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 1, followed by a proclamation by the Chief Executive on Monday, and other events throughout the week. You can see them all on our website or on our social media.
Our big event will be on Aug. 8, when we will host a screening of “Inside Out” at the Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge in Butte. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone. Popcorn will be provided, and Covellite’s concessions will be open. It’s an opportunity to interact with the community at a fun event that highlights the importance of mental health.
The nation’s first Community Health Centers opened in 1965 to increase access to primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, and distance. Now more commonly known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), over 1,500 organizations operate at more than 17,000 sites, providing affordable health care to 52 million people. That’s 1 in 7 nationwide, and 1 in 3 rural residents. In Montana, 19 organizations operate nearly 100 sites in rural communities, schools, and other needed locations.
Blacktail Health, like other FQHCs, is more than just a healthcare provider. We are a trusted community partner, collaborating with local schools, hospitals, employers, and government agencies to address barriers to care. We deliver patient-centered services for a range of health needs throughout our patients’ lives, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Every team member is dedicated to treating patients with dignity, respect, and compassion.
The work we do is meaningful, and our mission motivates us every day. We provide quality care from a complete team of professionals and offer the kind of personal attention that makes you feel confident you belong.
We know there are a variety of reasons people don’t regularly see their doctor, such as lack of paid time off, transportation, insurance, and other issues. We are working hard to address those issues through same-day appointments, a sliding fee scale, access to social service support, our mobile clinic, and multiple locations, including within several of our schools.
Some people think that we are only for those without insurance, and that is just not the case. We serve everyone and are recognized for the high-quality care we provide. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance, and we assist those without insurance or with limited coverage.
Studies show the quality of care delivered at health centers is often even better than what patients may experience in a private practice. We also offer convenience. You can see your therapist, dentist, and primary care doctor without calling multiple providers or dealing with separate bills. You can even pick up your prescription at our pharmacies.
If you aren’t a current patient or haven’t been recently, come check us out. Insured patients choosing Blacktail Health as their provider helps sustain our mission. You will receive convenient, comprehensive, high-quality care from compassionate staff while helping ensure access to care for our entire community, especially as so many are struggling to afford insurance right now.
And don’t forget to join us on Aug. 8 at the Covellite Theatre at 7 p.m. for “Inside Out”. We look forward to visiting with you soon.
Tammy Cox is the Executive Director of Blacktail Health. Blacktail Health, formerly Southwest Montana Community Health Center, is an independent nonprofit community health center proudly serving Butte, Anaconda, and Dillon for 40 years. Blacktail Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides patient-centered, integrated medical, dental, care management, pharmacy, and behavioral healthcare. All insurances are accepted, and services are offered on a sliding fee scale for those who qualify to make healthcare accessible and affordable. Each year, Blacktail Health cares for nearly 13,000 patients. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit blacktailhealth.org.