Helena, Montana
Helena is the capital city of Montana and is located on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is centrally located on Interstate 15, halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The greater Helena area has 50,000 residents and the hospital’s drawing area approaches 100,000 people.
The public school system is recognized for its excellence statewide with over 9,000 students in 12 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The student/teacher ratio is one of the lowest in the state. Sixty percent of high school graduates continue their education at four-year colleges or universities, and another 22% go on to other post-secondary training and education. Helena is also the home of Carroll College, a private, Catholic four-year liberal arts institution with approximately 1,500 students. The Helena College of Technology, a branch of the University of Montana is also located here.
Helena is a vibrant community, with an excellent symphony, and two community theaters providing live theater year-round. The local arts community has received accolades in regional and national publications. Helena’s location on the Missouri River near Canyon Ferry Lake and nestled in the Rocky Mountains, make it an exceptionally attractive community for individuals and families who enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Fishing, boating and hiking are at your doorstep. Helena was recently ranked number 5 in MSNBC's Americas top 10 dreamtowns, number 8 in Forbes magazind for being one of "America's Least Vulnerable Towns" during this economic downturn and by Bicycling magazine as American’s best kept secret for great mountain biking. Groomed Nordic and downhill ski trails are minutes from town.
St. Peter’ Hospital
Organization:
St. Peter’s Hospital is an affiliate of VHA-Mountain States and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations. Licensed for 99 acute-care beds, it provides healthcare services to almost 100,000 residents of five rural counties. St. Peter’s is an independent 501-3-C non-profit organization. The Hospital’s average daily census is 65 and there are more than 80,000 outpatient visits annually.
Financials:
St. Peter’s has a stable financial picture and enjoys an A3 rating from Moody’s Investments. The Hospital generated gross revenues in excess of $100 million. The Hospital’s payer mix includes 53% Medicare/Medicaid; 18% Blue Cross/Blue Shield/HMO; 22% private insurance; 1% worker’s compensation; and 6% self-pay.
Expansion Project:
In the fall of 2004, St. Peter’s Hospital embarked on a major expansion project to meet the current and future needs of Helena and the surrounding area due to the increasing population, aging demographics, and changing technology demands. This efficient facility includes a multi-story patient wing, which consolidates inpatient services, as well as a new Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Radiology Department, and expanded Same Day Services and Cardiology areas. The $51 million project, which assists the Hospital in performing more efficiently and helps to keep health care costs down, was financed with cash reserves, tax-exempt bonds, and a major fund-raising campaign. The project was completed in May of 2008.