In a significant move to enhance healthcare services across Montana, Community Health Partners (CHP) of Bozeman and One Health have announced their merger, set to be finalized in May 2024. This strategic partnership combines the strengths of two well-established community health centers to better serve low-income, uninsured, and vulnerable populations throughout eastern and south-central Montana.
Community Health Partners, a federally-qualified health center, has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Gallatin and Park Counties since 1997. Operating from clinics in Belgrade, Bozeman, and Livingston, CHP provides comprehensive services including medical, dental, and behavioral health care, alongside pharmacy and educational programs. They also extend their reach to younger populations through collaborations with the Belgrade and Bozeman School Districts. With a dedicated team of 135 staff members, CHP caters to over 10,000 unique patients annually.
Alt text: The exterior of Community Health Partners Belgrade clinic building on a sunny day, showcasing its welcoming facade and accessible entrance, highlighting its commitment to community health in Belgrade, Montana.
One Health, established in 2012, brings to the merger an extensive network of care sites, including seven locations in Montana and four in northern Wyoming, along with numerous school-based and drop-in centers. Serving 14,000 unique patients with a staff of 300, One Health has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing accessible and integrated healthcare solutions. Like Community Health Partners Bozeman, One Health is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to its mission of community service.
Alt text: The welcoming reception area inside a One Health clinic, featuring comfortable seating, friendly staff at the desk, and informational posters, emphasizing patient-centered care and a supportive environment within One Health’s healthcare facilities.
Lander Cooney, CEO of Community Health Partners Bozeman, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “We could not be more thrilled to join forces with One Health. We believe that merging two successful entities will allow for better innovation, efficiency and opportunity for our collective patients and staff forming a more integrated healthcare delivery system.” This sentiment is echoed by David Mark, MD, CEO of One Health, who highlighted the increasing complexity and cost of delivering integrated healthcare to vulnerable populations. Dr. Mark emphasized that “combining forces helps us all be more sustainable” in the face of these challenges.
The driving force behind this merger is the shared commitment of both organizations to enhance healthcare access and quality for underserved communities. Community health centers play a vital role in caring for patients with complex needs, often managing chronic diseases, behavioral health issues, and substance use disorders, all while facing socio-economic challenges. In areas like Gallatin County, where the cost of living, particularly housing, is high, these challenges are amplified. By merging, Community Health Partners Bozeman and One Health aim to create a more robust and sustainable healthcare delivery system capable of addressing these multifaceted needs more effectively.
For patients of Community Health Partners Bozeman and One Health, the merger is designed to be seamless. Minimal changes are expected in care teams, medical records, or ongoing treatment plans. CHP will retain its name, locations, staff, and programs, ensuring continuity of care for its existing patient base. Furthermore, to ensure local representation, three members from CHP’s Board of Directors will join the One Health board. This integration reflects the unanimous support for the merger from both boards, who recognized the kindred missions and visions of the two organizations.
Looking ahead, the merged entity will operate as the largest community health center in Montana, offering an expanded network of healthcare delivery sites. Both Community Health Partners Bozeman and One Health are committed to accepting all insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Crucially, they will continue to provide a sliding fee scale for uninsured and underinsured patients, ensuring that healthcare remains affordable and accessible based on family size and income. This merger signifies a powerful step forward in strengthening community-based healthcare in Montana, promising enhanced services, greater efficiency, and a continued dedication to serving those most in need.
