Letter to the Editor - Senators, thanks for support of community health centers

Dear Editor,

The staff and board of Bullhook Community Health Center would like to thank Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Jon Tester for their unwavering support of community health centers. Recently, both Montana senators signed a letter of support in the U.S. Senate that endorses our program and our model of comprehensive primary care.

In Montana, there are 17 community health centers in more than 40 different locations across the state. Every year, we compile statewide and local data to better understand our patients and our provision of health care. Some 2016 facts about Bullhook Community Health Center include:

• 4,945 patients served

• 15,990 patient visits

• 75 percent of patients are low-income — below 200 percent Federal Poverty Level

• 19 percent patients are uninsured

• 4 percent patients are veterans

In addition to these basic facts, Bullhook Community Health Center expanded services in 2016 to include a medically assisted treatment Program provided by our psychiatric nurse practitioners, a pediatrician, and in-home services provided by a family behavioral health specialist. We also secured new funding to start a Children’s Advocacy Center, which became accredited in 2017. We are especially proud of the expanded substance use disorder services. We were able to add more counselors to focus on working with youth and young adults due to the need in our community.

The services provided by Bullhook Community Health Center allow you to go to one place for all your health needs by having access to dental, medical, behavioral health and a full-service pharmacy.

Thank you again Sen. Daines and Sen. Tester. We appreciate your support.

Cindy Smith, Havre

CEO, Bullhook Community Health Center