St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health Awarded More Than $8 Million to Strengthen Rural Healthcare
COTTONWOOD & OROFINO, Idaho – St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health have been selected to receive more than $8 million in first-year funding through Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a significant investment that will help expand healthcare access, modernize equipment and facilities, and strengthen healthcare services throughout north central Idaho.
The funding is part of a new federal initiative focused on supporting rural healthcare systems and ensuring communities continue to have access to high-quality care close to home. Idaho is using the program to invest in rural hospitals and healthcare organizations through projects that improve patient care, modernize infrastructure and support the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare.
The funding has been conditionally awarded through the program’s Healthcare Infrastructure Support initiative and is expected to support a wide range of projects across both hospitals pending final state review and approval later this year.
“This investment is transformative for our communities and for the future of rural healthcare in Idaho,” said Lenne Bonner, chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health. “These funds will allow us to make critical improvements that would otherwise take many years to accomplish. More importantly, they will help ensure that patients throughout our region continue to have access to high-quality care close to home.”
At Clearwater Valley Health in Orofino, planned projects include new CT and ultrasound equipment, upgrades to X-ray services, improvements to Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum facilities, new laboratory equipment, a chemotherapy hood and enhanced colonoscopy testing and processing equipment.
At St. Mary’s Health in Cottonwood, planned investments include a new MRI system, X-ray equipment, an ambulance, laboratory upgrades, colonoscopy equipment, a chemotherapy hood and new equipment to support pain management services.
In addition, both organizations will benefit from the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible transportation van designed to improve patient access to healthcare services throughout the region.
According to Bonner, the funding reflects years of planning and collaboration by healthcare leaders, caregivers and community partners.
“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and proud of the dedicated caregivers who make our hospitals and clinics such vital resources for our communities,” Bonner said. “This award recognizes not only the needs of rural healthcare but also the outstanding work being done every day by our teams in Cottonwood, Orofino and the surrounding communities.”
The award comes at a time when many rural healthcare organizations across the country face increasing financial pressures and workforce challenges. Investments in modern equipment and healthcare infrastructure are expected to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency and help ensure long-term access to essential healthcare services throughout north central Idaho.
Final project activities and funding allocations remain subject to state review and approval. Hospital leaders anticipate sharing additional details as projects move forward.
“Our mission has always been to improve the health of people in our communities one patient at a time,” Bonner said. “This funding helps us continue that mission while preparing for the healthcare needs of future generations. It’s an investment not only in our hospitals but in the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
For more information about St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health, visit www.smh-cvh.org.