Holy Rosary Healthcare, part of Intermountain Health, is continuing its partnership with Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that champions the positive effects of reading daily and engaging in other language-rich activities with young children. Dr. Steven Griffin, Holy Rosary pediatrician, leads this project with the financial support of the Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation and private donors.   

“Reading together promotes healthy brain development, furthers language acquisition, and helps families build meaningful bonds,” shared Dr. Griffin.  

Through the program, children choose an age-appropriate book at each checkup or well-child exam. The book program is for established patients aged four months to five years old. Reach Out and Read was founded in 1989 to help families make reading a part of their routines and supply the books they need to get started. This program is offered in all 50 states, providing 7 million books annually.  

The pediatric primary care team at Holy Rosary and Intermountain Health provides a holistic, child-focused care model using the newest guidelines for screening, preventive medicine, and integrating with Intermountain Health Children’s pediatric specialists.  

 Examples include introducing the “Buzzy Bee,” a distraction device to lessen painful procedures, standardized developmental screenings for early identification of areas of support for intervention, and pediatric-friendly toys and games for inpatient respiratory therapies.    

“Our pediatric care across the Holy Rosary Clinic is standardized, so no matter which provider a child sees, they will receive the same high-quality, child-centered care,” shared Dr. Griffin.   

After meeting with an oncologist at the St. Vincent Cancer Centers of Montana in Billings, it was determined that Helen would need both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. For Helen, having frequent appointments and treatments for medical care was new.  

"Mom has been lucky. She is 88 and has been very healthy, hardly seeing the doctor." Carla shared. 

Because the radiation therapy would require daily treatments for six weeks, Carla worried about where they may need to stay during the treatments and how that would impact her mother's healing. They were relieved to learn about the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation's Meadowlark house, which provides free housing to patients like Helen, who need to travel for cancer treatment.  

"We feel very blessed. It has been a wonderful and comfortable place to stay while mom has been getting her treatments," said Carla.   

The private house has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a living room, which has allowed Carla and her other sisters to take turns caring for their mother while in Billings. Because the daily appointments are only less than an hour, Helen and her daughters have enjoyed the warm fall weather and taking walks around the neighborhood. Carla has taken advantage of time and space to prepare for several holiday craft fairs she is participating in.   

“So often times patients are driving from all over the state of Montana, hours, hundreds of miles away, and it is not practical for them to drive home between treatments because they are here for 10 days to two months. We really strive to provide a place where they can relax and refresh themselves between cancer treatments and really have their home away from home," said Tyler Wiltgen, executive director of St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation.

Helen finished her treatments on November 20, and while she has enjoyed a 'home away from home' during treatment, she was excited to return to Miles City for Thanksgiving.   

"Given everything, it has been a good experience," said Helen. “Everyone at the cancer center is wonderful to the patients and families.” 

In the new year, patients like Helen may not have to travel for care. Holy Rosary will open a new comprehensive Cancer Center in Miles City in late 2024. The 12,000-square-foot center will provide radiation, medical, and surgical oncology services to address the needs of cancer patients in rural Eastern Montana. The center will eliminate distance and access barriers to care for the people living in the region.     

Because November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, Rath and Buffington wanted to also bring awareness to the importance of early detection of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for 25 percent of all cancer deaths.  

Low Dose Lung Screening can provide early cancer detection and greatly increases chances for survival. For those who meet the criteria, annual cancer screenings can help find lung cancer at the first stages. If you are over age 50, have a history of smoking, or are a current smoker, individuals are encouraged to talk to the primary care provider to see if a screening is right for them. The lung cancer screening allows medical providers to identify areas that may need to be biopsied to identify and confirm cancer. St. Vincent now offers cutting-edge, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which allows for a minimally invasive and highly effective lung biopsy, resulting in better patient outcomes.    

Because lung cancer is often found only after symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor and know your risk factors.  

After going through this experience with her mother, Carla encourages others to pay attention to changes in health and that of their loved ones.  

"It is important to advocate for yourself and your family members' health when you notice something going on," she shared. "Early detection is important; don't be afraid to ask for what you need."    

In the United States, 37.3 million people have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them do not know it; 96 million US adults have prediabetes, and 9 out of 10 of them do not know it. 

During American Diabetes Month, we bring attention to the fact that diabetes has become the fastest-growing chronic disease in the world. This month alone, more than 116,000 Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes, and unfortunately, 23,000 Americans will lose their lives to diabetes-related illness. 

Awareness is the first tool in fighting this epidemic, especially in the case of prediabetes. Prediabetes means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not as high as in diabetes. Risk factors include age over 40, being overweight, a history of gestational diabetes, a family history of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. Talking with your healthcare provider is a wise option for anyone with one or more of these risk factors.  

The good news for those with prediabetes is that it is possible if recognized early, that it can be reversed. There are evidence-based options to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a proven lifestyle program available in-person or online through Healthy Lifestyles at Holy Rosary Healthcare. The year-long program focuses on creating healthy habit changes and is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control. Healthy Lifestyles supports participants who have found ways to choose foods and activities to benefit their health.  

If you or a family member is among the 37.3 million Americans with diabetes, there is good news as well. Working with your healthcare provider and a diabetes educator can help avoid the life-threatening complications of diabetes. It can enable patients to thrive as they learn to control the disease.  

Your healthcare provider can discuss the best options for care. Recent technological advancements in the field provide patients with options for monitoring blood glucose and insulin delivery systems. Together with the patient and family, a diabetes educator can help identify basic steps and practical strategies to manage diabetes and stay physically and emotionally healthy.  

Periodic diabetes care and education visits are encouraged from the initial diagnosis, annually, and following significant life or health changes.  Regular visits allow patients to see improved blood glucose levels, save healthcare costs, reduce the need for emergency care, understand medications, and manage technology.  We encourage those with diabetes and their loved ones to learn as much as possible about the latest medical therapies and approaches and healthy lifestyle choices.  These strategies and good communication with medical professionals can help you feel in control and better able to respond to changing needs.   

Diabetes is an increasing threat to American well-being. The good news about diabetes is that prevention and management options have increased dramatically, and support is available.   

New sessions of the Healthy Lifestyles program begin in early January and are offered for individuals throughout Montana; call 406-233-4067 for more information. Holy Rosary’s certified diabetes care and education specialist, Mary Tvedt, RD, CDCES, can be reached at 406-233-3074. Mary works with all the medical providers in southeastern Montana to provide continuity of care for patients. 

When Selina Burch felt a lump in her breast, the memories of her mother’s battle with breast cancer came flooding back to her. It was November 2022 when she arrived at Holy Rosary Healthcare for her first diagnostic mammogram. The initial diagnostic testing and biopsy confirmed her worries.   

Almost a year later, Selina is still battling breast cancer while continuing her chemotherapy treatments at Holy Rosary in consultation with the St. Vincent Cancer Centers of Montana in Billings. Selina is grateful for her family, co-workers, and caregivers who have supported her every step of the way and allowed her to live life as normal as possible as she continues to undergo treatment.   

 Despite a yearlong treatment plan, Selina decided she didn’t want her year to be “all about cancer.”  She began chemotherapy treatments at the beginning of 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy surgery in May, followed by five weeks of radiation. Although she will continue chemotherapy through the beginning of next year, she is “feeling great.”  

“My husband and my kids have really supported me,” said Selina. “My mom still lives in Geraldine. I called her when this all began, and the prayer chain started right away.”  

She attributes her strength and positive attitude to the encouragement she has received and her faith.   

“When I could, I wanted to go to work and wanted to come home and cook dinner,” she shared. “Maintaining those normal routines was really important for me to not just wallow in the worry.”  

“Selina has met cancer treatment head-on with a positive attitude and a strong will,” shared Stephanie Thomason, Holy Rosary Healthcare Outpatient Infusion Nurse. “She continued to work throughout her entire chemotherapy, barely missing any days except for treatment days. She is a very courageous woman.”  

While she has received all of her chemotherapy treatments locally at Holy Rosary, she did need to travel to Billings for her radiation treatments at the St. Vincent Cancer Center. She connected with her oncologist for in-person appointments in Miles City and through telemedicine.   

“The team is really awesome. Everybody has been so supportive, from doctors, surgeons, nurses, and techs. It could be a lot worse if I didn’t have such great people supporting me,” Selina shared.  

During her treatment, Selina was excited to learn that Holy Rosary will open a new comprehensive Cancer Center in Miles City in late 2024. The 12,000-square-foot center will provide radiation, medical, and surgical oncology services to address the needs of cancer patients in rural Eastern Montana. The center will eliminate distance and access barriers to care for the people living in the region.  

For women like Selina, not having to travel long-distance for treatment allows for fewer disruptions and financial burdens as they receive treatment, heal, and recover.   

“It’s going to be great. I am so happy for our Miles City community and our surrounding areas to have their care closer to home,” she said.   

“Being close to home and having the support of family makes the cancer journey much more tolerable,” added Thomason. “Our mission is to help guide patients through their cancer journeys and remove barriers to treatment and care. We are very excited about our new Cancer Center and offering radiation therapy to serve Miles City and the surrounding communities.”    

Although she still has several months of treatment remaining, Selina sees the light at the end of the tunnel and has advice for women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.  

“Don’t be afraid to tell those around you what you need,” she said. “When you are with your family or sitting in the chemo chair, ask questions of your loved ones and caregivers and tell them how you are doing. Talk to everyone you can to get the support to help you through it.”    

Chuck Dailey, Behavioral Health Therapist, Holy Rosary Healthcare 

It’s a Sunday evening, you’re walking out of the movie theater with a friend, and they share they’ve been thinking about harming themselves or having thoughts of suicide. What do you do? Do you take them to the emergency room? Tell them you are there for them? Change the subject entirely? The good news is you are not alone and there are many resources to help you respond that could save a life. 

Suicide is not easy to talk about, but that is the best thing you can do. If you suspect someone is suicidal – ask them.  When someone reaches out, they trust you to listen. You can support them by giving your undivided attention and understanding.  You will not be able fix their difficulties, but what you can do is acknowledge their pain and offer to support them, giving them the non-judgmental space and time they need to tell you about it.   

September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to educate, advocate and open up the conversation around Montana’s growing public health crisis. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022 resulted in the nation’s highest number of suicide related deaths on record, and the Center for Disease Control shares Montana in second in the country in mortality rates by suicide.  In response, governmental and community agencies have added resources to combat this trend: 

• The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. This support is available 24/7. To talk or text simply dial 988, or chat or find out more go to 988lifeline.org.  
• If it is an emergency, 911 will dispatch needed emergency service to a caller and may provide support while you wait for responders to arrive. 
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.  They offer a non-crisis helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) available Monday Through Friday, 8 A.M. – 8 P.M. This line provides information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members, caregivers, and the public.   
• The Trevor Project supports LGBTQ young people during times of crisis by providing access to crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678. 
• Montana has a collection of prevention tools and resources for schools, LGBT Youth, Veterans, Suicide Survivors and more. All of these can be accessed free via https://dphhs.mt.gov/suicideprevention/ 
• Beyond the Weather: Free Counseling for the Montana Agriculture Community. Visit frontier.care/beyondtheweather or call (406) 200-8471, Press 7 

At Holy Rosary Healthcare in our Emergency Department, we provide 24/7 mental health crisis support. We have trained staff experienced in helping with mental health crises and can be reached at (406) 233-2600.  If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911. 

When considering the hypothetical example shared above, what should you do next?  If a friend or family member is actively suicidal with a plan with an intent and means to carry it out, stay with them and seek help immediately by calling 988 or 911. While the 988 response is to promote stabilization and care in the least restrictive manner, in imminent danger, 988 calls are connected to emergency services like 911.  

Please know that you could be that much-needed friend to someone in crisis – be aware, be prepared, show you care!  

Holy Rosary Healthcare is pleased to share that it has once again received designation as a Montana Community Trauma Hospital by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Holy Rosary has held this designation since August 2019. A Community Trauma Hospital designation indicates that Holy Rosary provides advanced trauma life support to patients. 

Nicole Taylor, Emergency Department nurse and Trauma Program Coordinator emphasizes the significance of this designation for Miles City and Eastern Montana. “Being aligned with other trauma systems at both the state and national level ensures that we are incorporating evidence-based care for managing medical traumas. It is not just the efforts of the Holy Rosary team that contributed to this achievement but also the collaboration with emergency medical services throughout the entire community. The combined efforts of everyone involved have made this accomplishment possible.

All expectant mothers hope for an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy birth, but things don’t always go according to plan. Montana has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, underlining just how important it is for pregnant women, especially in rural areas, to keep up with regular prenatal care visits and receive care when they need it.  

“We’re one of only two hospitals in southeast Montana that does obstetrics and deliveries, so it’s really about being able to provide care to patients who live in this area,” Jay Littlefield, MD, an OB/GYN with Holy Rosary Healthcare, explained. “The biggest barrier they face is not being able to access care because of their physical location. Some patients I see commute anywhere from one to three hours and up to 150 miles to come to Miles City for appointments. By bringing these services to them, they are more likely to get the prenatal care they need.”   

And for women facing high-risk pregnancies, Holy Rosary Healthcare and Intermountain Health’s recently expanded Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) services are a lifeline.    

With the new program, when Dr. Littlefield identifies patients who may be at risk for pregnancy complications, he is able to refer them quickly to an MFM specialist, like Michael Gordon, MD, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, for a telehealth consultation or in-person appointment.   

Through this new program, Dr. Littlefield and Dr. Gordon hope to break down some of those access barriers for moms and babies in eastern Montana by providing care in their local communities. In addition to the increased access to specialized care, the MFM program also provides advanced training and access for sonographers in rural areas that allows them to perform routine and Level II, high-risk ultrasounds at local healthcare facilities, like Holy Rosary, rather than requiring women to have to travel for additional tests and diagnosis.   

Mothers facing a high-risk pregnancy may have a telemedicine visit after an initial ultrasound with the MFM specialist to get recommendations for care and timing of further ultrasounds in the pregnancy. Telemedicine technology also allows MFM providers to see the ultrasound in real time to examine areas of concern for the health of the mother and baby.   

The availability of telemedicine and advanced ultrasound services at Holy Rosary makes MFM services more accessible for mothers facing high-risk pregnancies. Rather than having to travel for advanced care, if mothers need follow-up ultrasound or testing later in pregnancy, they can have those done in Miles City rather than traveling to Billings.   

Melissa Dickman, a Holy Rosary Maternal Fetal sonographer, shared, “Helping our patients have a safe, healthy pregnancy is rewarding, especially when facing a high-risk pregnancy. Without the support of our Maternal Fetal Medicine team and having this advanced technology and expertise in our community, our patients would have to travel longer distances and often wait for results, which can be stressful. I am grateful for our OB providers and Maternal Fetal Medicine team.”  

Once a woman has been identified as having a high-risk pregnancy, the MFM specialists work closely with the patients’ local OB/GYNs to determine the most appropriate care plan for her pregnancy, labor and delivery.   

By Caleb Bettenhausen, Physician Assistant, Holy Rosary Healthcare 

For men living in Montana, many of us (medical professionals included) tend to put off going to our primary care provider. We see it as taking time away from our jobs and families, and at times, we hesitate to have a provider tell us we are not invincible. But a quick annual visit with your provider can help ensure you can provide for your family and allow you to spend more quality time with your loved ones. 

This Men's Health Month, I wanted to share some interesting statistics and tips to help you stay healthy. Did you know that statistically, men's life span is roughly five years shorter than women? Two areas where men are specifically impacted are heart disease and colon cancer. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. And the risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men. The good news is that there are things you can do to stay on top of your health in these areas. 

To keep your heart healthy, the best advice is to live a healthy lifestyle and control your blood pressure. This can be done through changes in diet and staying active, limiting your alcohol consumption, and in some cases taking medications. It is also important to have regular checkups with your provider. Often signs and symptoms of heart disease are silent, and we are unaware of them. Discussing with your provider about changes in your health can help identify issues early. 

With the increase in younger patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the new guidance for colon cancer screening is starting at age 45. You should talk with your doctor about your options for screening, including a colonoscopy. 

It is much easier to prevent a health concern from arising than to address it once it is present, and there are many additional topics important to Men's Health. This is why it is important to find a provider you can connect with and discuss all your options to live a healthy and productive life.

Grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will bring radiation oncology care to Miles City and surrounding communities 

Miles City, Mont. – Holy Rosary Healthcare, part of Intermountain Health, is excited to announce that it has received a $6 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to support the construction of a new comprehensive cancer center serving eastern Montana.  The grant was announced at a groundbreaking celebration at Holy Rosary for the new center.  

The 12,000-square-foot center will provide radiation, medical and surgical oncology services to address the needs of cancer patients in rural Eastern Montana. The project will eliminate distance and access barriers to care for the people living in the region. Currently, patients needing radiation oncology treatment may have to travel long distances to receive that care, potentially impacting their treatment plan and outcomes. This will be the only comprehensive cancer center within a 125-mile radius. 

“The addition of a full-service cancer center is a monumental step forward for patients and their families facing cancer diagnoses in Eastern Montana,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Helmsley is committed to improving access to health care in rural America. This project fully encompasses how a health system, community, and philanthropy can work together to make care close to home a reality and ensure patients can have the support of family and friends.” 

“With the incredible support of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, our new cancer center in Miles City will create equitable cancer care for the region,” shared Karen Costello, president of Holy Rosary Healthcare. “Holy Rosary has a long legacy of providing high-quality cancer care, including medical and surgical oncology care, survivorship programming and other health and wellness services. The new center will expand those services and allow us to offer needed radiation oncology care to our patients in Eastern Montana.” 

The new center will be built on the Holy Rosary campus in Miles City, connected to the hospital and all its services. The project will include adding the region’s only permanent medical linear accelerator, which delivers radiation treatments quickly and accurately. 

The Helmsley Charitable Trust is one of the largest philanthropic organizations working in Montana, providing more than $102 million to date in grants to organizations working in rural health. Helmsley’s reach across Montana is wide ranging from Simulation in Motion trucks that travel the state providing hands-on training to healthcare workers to making automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available to every law enforcement agency in Montana. Helmsley has funded numerous equipment and telehealth initiatives at rural hospitals in Montana as well as statewide cardiac and stroke care initiatives and internal medicine and psychiatry residency training programs. 

Construction began this spring, and the $17 million project is expected to be completed in late 2024. In addition to this generous funding, the project will be funded through capital investments by Holy Rosary and Intermountain Health. Community members interested in supporting the project can contact the Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation at hrh-mt.org/foundation or at 406-233-4043.

Did you know your heart beats around 100,000 times daily and pumps 2,000 gallons of blood? Your heart truly is the workhorse of your body. The question is: how well do you take care of your heart?   

A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. It's not as hard as you may think, but it does require you to be intentional. According to the American Heart Association, there are seven risk factors (Life's Simple 7) that people can improve through lifestyle changes. At Holy Rosary Healthcare and Intermountain Health, we are sharing simple ways to keep you and your heart healthy.   

 1. Manage Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. When your blood pressure stays within the healthy range, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys, which keeps you healthier longer. Recommended blood pressure: 120/80.  

2. Control Your Cholesterol: High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. It's not inherently "bad." Your body needs it to build cells. But too much cholesterol can pose a problem. Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The remainder of your body's cholesterol comes from animal-based foods.  

3. Reduce Your Blood Sugar: Most of our food is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. The first step to managing your blood sugar is to understand what makes blood sugar levels rise. The carbohydrates and sugars in what you eat and drink turn into glucose (sugar) in the stomach and digestive system. Glucose can then enter the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps the body's cells take up glucose from blood and lower blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells because: The body develops "insulin resistance" and can't use the insulin it makes efficiently. The pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin. The result can be a high blood glucose level.  

4. Get More Active: Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.  Adults should get a weekly total of at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, or a combination of both, spread throughout the week. Kids and teens should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.  

5. Eat Better and More Heart-Healthy: A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting heart disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet improves your chances of feeling good and staying fit – for life. Make smart choices to build an overall healthy eating style. Watch calories and eat smaller portions. Cooking at home is a great way to avoid foods packed with fat, salt, and extra calories.  

6. Maintain a Proper Weight: When you maintain proper weight, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, lower your blood pressure, and help yourself feel better. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat. Understanding how many calories you take in and your activity level can help you identify changes you want to make.   An activity tracker can help you track your physical activity.  

7. If You Smoke, Stop; Don't Start: Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.   

 Dr. Carine Basmadjian, MD, is a cardiologist at the SCL Health Heart and Vascular Institute and part of a team of specialists providing care to our communities in Eastern Montana. To learn more about our providers and the full range of heart and vascular services we offer, please visit svh.org/heart 

Holy Rosary Healthcare is offering diagnostic technology to support heart care for patients with the addition of a new full-time Echocardiograph Technician. Echo technicians use ultrasound devices and other imaging tools that use sound waves to create images of the heart. It allows medical providers to inspect the chambers and walls of the heart and the valves.

"Having full-time echo cardiology services at Holy Rosary Healthcare is vital to our growth in both oncology and cardiology care. We are excited to have an echo technologist joining us with more than a decade of experience working with adult and pediatric patients," shared Rob Brugger, Director of Therapy Services. "We know it is an important piece for our ability to care for residents of eastern Montana close to home."

Amber Dent, the new Holy Rosary Echo Technician, shared what she enjoys about her job, "I love patient care and being able to help with treatment. I feel like a valuable part of the care team."

"I am excited to help build this program and be able to keep patients close to home with this service."

Dent is originally from Conrad, Montana, and is excited to return to her home state to help care for patients from rural Montana communities.

Montana State Athletics and Intermountain share a clear and common purpose in supporting our communities, including overall well-being for individuals, families, and communities. 

Committed to creating healthier communities throughout the region, Intermountain currently provides primary care services to the Bozeman community through the SCL Health Medical Group – Bozeman clinic conveniently located on Main Street, along with specialty services such as heart care, neurology, and in partnership with Ortho Montana, orthopedics for both adults and children. 

Intermountain will be the associate sponsor of the upcoming Cat/Griz showdown at MSU’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse as both the Women’s and Men’s basketball teams take on the University of Montana on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Caregivers from the Bozeman primary care clinic will be in attendance to celebrate the new partnership – be sure to check out their booth! For more information about the Bozeman clinic please visit sclhealth.org/bozeman. 

Holy Rosary Healthcare, part of Intermountain Health, is proud to announce plans to build a state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer center serving eastern Montana. The 12,000-square-foot center will provide radiation, medical and surgical oncology services to address the needs of cancer patients in rural Eastern Montana. The project will eliminate distance and access barriers to care for the people living in the region. Currently, patients needing radiation oncology treatment may have to travel long distances to receive that care, potentially impacting their treatment plan and outcomes. This will be the only comprehensive cancer center within a 125-mile radius. 

“The new cancer center in Miles City will create equitable cancer care for the region,” shared Karen Costello, president of Holy Rosary Healthcare. “The project will bring high-quality radiation oncology care to Holy Rosary’s existing cancer center, which currently offers medical and surgical oncology care, along with survivorship programming and other health and wellness services. This new center will provide an environment that not only has the most advanced technology, but it will be easily accessible for patients and family.” 

The new center will be built on the existing Holy Rosary campus in Miles City, connected to the hospital and all its services. The project will include adding the region’s only permanent medical linear accelerator, which delivers radiation treatments quickly and accurately. 

“Bringing this cancer care closer to home for our communities in Eastern Montana means so much to our patients,” added Patrick Cobb, MD, medical director of SCL Health Cancer Centers of Montana, part of Intermountain Health. “They will now be able to receive these lifesaving treatments without having to travel long distances, allowing them to recover and heal with family and friends nearby. Research has shown that providing care close to home in rural communities may improve survivorship rates.” 

Construction of the project will begin this spring and the $17 million project is expected to be completed in late 2024. The new cancer center will be funded through capital investments by Holy Rosary and Intermountain Health, and grant and philanthropic support. Community members interested in supporting the project can contact the Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation online or at 406-233-2664.

Thanks to a grant provided by the Treacy Foundation, Holy Rosary Healthcare caregivers are now training on a family of simulation mannequins for ongoing education and scenario-based learning. The training mannequins include an adult, child, and newborn. Simulation training in healthcare prepares clinical staff for a variety of situations that they may encounter to improve skills and practice problem-solving. 

DeAmbra Coleman, Manager of Clinical Education at Holy Rosary, applied for the grant on behalf of Holy Rosary and is working with caregivers in using the new training tools. “Simulation learning experiences allow our clinicians and caregivers to practice their skills in a safe environment,” said Coleman. “It develops critical thinking strategies and aids in the retention of knowledge to improve patient care.” 

Recently Holy Rosary caregivers have used the mannequins for training on intubating patients, transferring immobile patients, code scenarios, and effective CPR.

To all of our caregivers, patients, and communities we wish you a joyful Christmas and a healthy New Year!

Liane Vadheim. center, registered dietitian and coach in Holy Rosary Healthcare’s Healthy Lifestyles program has been recognized as the “Lifestyle Coach of the Year” by the Montana Diabetes Program and the Montana Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). This award recognizes a Lifestyle Coach who has made an impact through their commitment, innovation, and delivery of the National Diabetes Prevention Program across Montana. 

Holy Rosary has offered the Healthy Lifestyles program for fifteen years and has seen remarkable success in participants. The 12-month program offers real support from locally trained experts with the goal to help individuals increase physical activity, lose weight and decrease risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is offered in-person and virtually. Graduates report improved health indicators, increased energy, and better quality of life. 

“Liane has led Holy Rosary’s program for more than 14 years.  She is a pro at coaching local members to meet their goals. The success of those participating in her programs can be seen throughout the community and surrounding areas,” shared her nominator.  

A recent participant also shared about their work with Vadheim, “I can’t thank you enough! I am excited to finally see opportunity in lifestyle change and feel the energy. Liane assures all participants feel included and are empowered to navigate the ever-changing needs they will face in their journey to better health.” 

The award was presented as part of the annual diabetes professional conference sponsored by the Montana Diabetes Program and the Montana Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). The Montana Diabetes Program created the annual awards program to recognize healthcare professionals of all levels across the state who are working in the area of diabetes care and education and diabetes prevention.  These awards recognize healthcare professionals and organizations who are supporting positive change and making an impact in their communities and on patients who are at risk for or living with diabetes.   

Holy Rosary is currently registering new participants for the Healthy Lifestyles program that will begin in January. For more information visit hrh-mt.org/healthylifestyles or call 406-233-4067. 

By Jenille Brugger, Holy Rosary Healthcare Oncology Nurse Navigator  

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for 25 percent of all cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, more people die each year of lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Unfortunately, most lung cancer is discovered after symptoms occur. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we want to raise awareness about screening that can allow cancer to be identified in the initial stages when treatments can be more effective.   

For those who meet the criteria, annual cancer screenings can help find lung cancer at the initial stages. Below are the requirements for candidates for lung screening:  

• Age 50-77  
• At least a 20-pack year smoking history (two pack per day for 10 years or one pack per day for 20 years)  
• Current smoker or have smoked in the past 15 years  
• No signs or symptoms of lung cancer (unexplained weight loss of more than 15 pounds in the last year, or recent hemoptysis (coughing up of blood))  

Holy Rosary is part of a National Lung Screening Program. For those who participate, exams will be entered into a database, and letters will be sent out for follow-up reminders. Contact your medical provider if you are interested in lung cancer screening. For more information, contact Jenille Brugger, RN Holy Rosary Healthcare Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator, at 406-233-3002. 

Holy Rosary Healthcare has earned the Centers for Disease Control highest recognition for its diabetes prevention program, Healthy Lifestyles. The CDC’s Full Plus designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the standards for CDC recognition and additional thresholds.

Holy Rosary has offered the Healthy Lifestyles program for fifteen years and has seen remarkable success in participants. The 12-month program offers real support from locally trained experts with the goal to help individuals increase physical activity, lose weight and decrease risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is offered in-person or virtually. Graduates report improved health indicators, increased energy, and better quality of life.

“This recognition from the CDC is exciting and a true tribute to the hard work of our many participants over the years,” shared Liane Vadheim, Holy Rosary Dietitian and Healthy Lifestyles coach. “We have been energized by the commitment of more than a thousand participants from the southeastern Montana area.” To find out more information about this program, please contact 406-233-4067 or hrh-mt.org/healthylifestyles.

By Steve Griffin, Pediatrician, and Mary Tvedt, Registered Dietitian, Holy Rosary Healthcare 

As we start a new school year, our Holy Rosary Healthcare’s providers and nutrition professionals wanted to highlight the importance of children eating a healthy diet and having an active lifestyle by sharing a few fun tips for families to get the school year started right. Earlier this month, we shared these suggestions for families to add more color and fun to their meals and snacks. 

We wanted to share the following fun recipes to put some of those tips into practice. Enjoy!

Frozen Fruit Bark   

Ingredients:
1 32-ounce container plain, unsweetened yogurt  
1 TBSP vanilla  
2 cups chopped fruit  
Optional sweetener  

Instructions:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  Next, stir vanilla into plain yogurt and pour onto baking sheet and spread evenly. Sprinkle chopped fruit over top.  Freeze until solid (3-4 hours) Slice and serve immediately.

Avocado Hummus Vegetable Rolls  

Ingredients:

Avocado Hummus
1 15 oz. cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 
1/2 ripe avocado 
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
1/2 tablespoon olive oil (optional) 
1/2 cup spinach 
1/4 cup fresh cilantro 
1/2 clove of garlic 
1/2 small jalapeño (optional) 
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste 
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Veggie Rolls
2 zucchini, sliced thin lengthwise  
2 large carrots, sliced into sticks  
1/2 English cucumber, sliced into sticks  
2–3 radishes, sliced thin and halved  
1/4 cup cilantro  
sesame seeds (optional)  

Instructions:
Blend the beans, avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, spinach, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl.  

On a flat, dry surface, lay a thin piece of zucchini. Spread with avocado hummus (not too much or it will overflow out the sides). Lay the assorted veggies and cilantro closely together on one end and begin rolling it up.  Finish with a toothpick to hold it together. Repeat for each roll.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

After 20 years in the military and another 10 years as a military contractor, Ned Wilson was making his retirement plans to return home to Miles City. It wasn’t until suffering a severe heart attack in Tampa, Florida earlier this year that he decided it was time to come home to be closer to his mother who needed care. 

His biggest hesitation before making the move was his concern about what type of heart care he would receive during his recovery after leaving a large metropolitan area. “After meeting Dr. Basmadjian and her team, it calmed all of my fears,” he shared. Dr. Carine Basmadjian, Cardiologist at Holy Rosary Healthcare, provides comprehensive heart care for patients in Eastern Montana. “I can usually think of six excuses not to come to the doctor, but she takes a friendly, whole person approach. She makes it almost fun,” said Wilson. 

Basmadjian shared about the impact of being able to provide the specialty cardiac care to patients, like Wilson, especially in rural areas. “It is so rewarding to bring these services to the patients in Miles City,” she said. “The patients are always so grateful for the care close to home because they understand the burden of having to travel long distances to receive speciality care.” 

To help Wilson get back to full strength and full health, Dr. Basmadjian prescribed cardiac rehabilitation for his continued recovery. As he gets close to completing his 36 sessions, he has seen great improvement in his stamina and health and built close relationships with his therapists. 

“They worked with me to understand that this wasn’t going to be a light switch change,” he said. “Sometimes I got ahead of myself and they used education, humor and a little tough love to share why the focus is on sustained improvement to get back to where I want to be.” 

Each week, the therapists have coached Wilson and other patients in the cardiac rehab class through a regime of exercises, including work on exercise machines, bikes, treadmills, and weightlifting, all while monitoring their vitals and progress. The comradiare between the patients and the therapists is apparent in just a few minutes. Cracking jokes and making it fun seems to be part of the motivation and healing. “They coach you through it, and they make it enjoyable,” shared Wilson. “I have been taken care of very well.” And it’s not just his therapists that get the last laugh. Wilson made Pam Hurr, RN, and Renee Chappell, Rehab Tech, hats that say drill sergeant as a way to say ‘thank you’ for the tough love they have been showing him week after week.  

“Ned not only excelled with his own rehab, but he was encouraging to his peers in his class,” shared Hurr. “Our patients become like family, we want the best for them and for them to learn what is important to continue to live healthy lives.” 

When looking at his next phase, Wilson is using this time in rehab to refocus and enjoy a less stressful pace of life in Montana. “I joined the Army in 1992 and I have never really taken the time to care for myself,” he said. “My goals are to complete my rehab, get back to normal, and see where it takes me.”

By Steve Griffin, Pediatrician, and Mary Tvedt, Registered Dietitian, Holy Rosary Healthcare 

As we move toward the new school year, our Holy Rosary Healthcare’s providers and nutrition professionals wanted to highlight the importance of children eating a healthy diet and having an active lifestyle by sharing a few fun tips for families to get the school year started right:  

Make it a colorful season with dark and deep colored fruits and vegetables. Paint a colorful breakfast by adding fruit to oatmeal and breakfast cereals or adding diced red and yellow peppers, purple onion, green spinach, mushrooms, avocado to omelets, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. Stuff a whole wheat pita with low fat cream cheese and strawberries or apple slices with a dash of cinnamon. Lunch can explode in colors with fruit and vegetable kabobs, made with pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe chunks, orange segments, for fruit and cucumbers, zucchini, bell pepper, olives, cherry tomatoes, and low-fat cheese cubes for a “veggie-bob.”  Encourage your child to pick out a new fruit or vegetable or a “color” of the day. He or she will be more likely to try new flavors! 

Have fun with fruit and vegetables. Cucumber caterpillar and ants on a log are some tried and true ideas for increasing vegetables every day. Try other fun and creative ideas too.  Make a banana dog, spreading peanut or nut butter on a whole-grain hot dog bun, place a peeled banana inside the bun and eat it like a hot dog. Try apple nachos, arranging apple slices on a plate, drizzled with 1/4 cup natural nut butter, warmed, and top with small amount of mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, slivered almonds and a sprinkle of cinnamon.    

Eat the fruit not the juice.  Instead of juice, offer water to drink and the fruit on the side.  Juices pull lots of the good nutritional parts of the fruit out and leave us just with the sugary juice.  It's always better to eat the whole fruit instead and have the water to drink. 

Set the best example for those around you to learn. Food should be a source of joy we can appreciate every day. When our families see the healthy foods served “center stage,” they will do it when they plan their own meals in the future.  

If your efforts do not immediately entice your child, be patient. Simply continue to make whole grains, fruits, and veggies a part of every meal and snack and offer them in a variety of ways. Eventually your child will develop his or her own taste for nutrient dense food choices.  

Intermountain Healthcare and Holy Rosary Healthcare recognize the value of collaborating with community organizations to further its mission. As a part of the ongoing community benefit program, Intermountain approved $525,000 in Community Contributions to nine partners in Colorado and Montana to support health improvement programming. The funds are being given through contributions to qualified non-profit and governmental partners.

In Miles City, Intermountain Healthcare presented a $20,000 donation to the Montana Community Mental Health Center. The center provides quality, professional, comprehensive mental health, and substance abuse treatment services to the citizens of Eastern Montana in ways that respect the dignity of our citizens and communities.

“We prioritize giving as we respond to the community health priorities identified by community members to allow for a broader impact,” shared Karen Costello, Holy Rosary Healthcare President. “The Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center is well positioned to help people live healthier and happier lives with its crucial services and resources.”  

The Community Contributions are about continuing the organization’s legacies in the communities they serve, Intermountain's commitment to community, and addressing the community health needs uncovered during our Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) in 2018 and 2021. The contributions were made in the following categories: Improve Mental Well-Being, Address the Social Determinants of Health, and Improve Access.

“As part of our mission to help people live healthier lives, we support community organizations that provide services that align with Intermountain’s mission and values,” said Mark Korth, Intermountain Healthcare Region President. “We are committed to helping support organizations like the Montana Community Mental Health Center and others in the communities we serve.”

Holy Rosary Healthcare, now part of Intermountain Healthcare, has opened its newly remodeled Medical Surgical West unit focused on patient care. The remodeled unit provides swing bed services, allowing patients to remain or transfer to the facility for rehabilitation services, serving individuals in a transition phase of illness or recovery that no longer require acute care services. The program provides personalized nursing care and individualized therapies to assist patients in reaching their highest potential for health and independence before returning home. 

“Our incredible caregivers are thrilled to work and provide care in this beautifully remodeled unit,” shared Kerri Galisky, Acute Care Manager, Holy Rosary Healthcare, “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us transform this incredible space for us to live out our mission of improving the health of our patients.” 

In addition to remodeled patient rooms, there are additional areas for patients to enjoy during their healing process, including a social area for dining and lounging with a fireplace and outdoor patio space. Patients will also utilize an updated therapy room with new equipment such as a treatment bed, stairs, parallel bars, ultrasound and electric stimulation equipment, and a NuStep exerciser.  

The open concept and comfortable atmosphere with private rooms was designed to help with the recovery process of patients.  

“I believe we succeeded in creating a restful, healing area that has a warm atmosphere for our patients and families as they recover,” shared Karen Costello, President, Holy Rosary Healthcare. “We are overjoyed to provide our patients with this calming and peaceful space that helps ensure our ability to deliver safe, high-quality care to all those we serve at Holy Rosary.”  

Dr. Ibrahim Hammad and Dr. Jay Littlefield, Holy Rosary Healthcare OB-GYN

The number of women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth complications is on the rise nationwide, with Montana among the states with the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. With a commitment to care for women across the region facing high-risk pregnancies and to keep their care closer to home, Holy Rosary Healthcare recently expanded its Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) services to better serve eastern Montana women and their families.

“Every mother-to-be looks forward to having a healthy pregnancy and newborn, but sometimes, there are difficulties or challenges that make a pregnancy ‘high-risk,’” said Dr. Jay Littlefield, Holy Rosary Healthcare OB-GYN provider. “It is wonderful to have access to MFM care for women in Miles City and our surrounding communities to help relieve the burden during what can be a difficult time for our expecting mothers.”

Through this program, Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, Dr. Ibrahim Hammad, sees patients experiencing a high-risk pregnancy at Holy Rosary with additional telehealth options available to expand access to mothers in other rural communities. Patients benefit from expanded access to services at Holy Rosary and other SCL Health, now Intermountain Healthcare, facilities and affiliated clinics in Montana and through telemedicine. Additionally, the program includes education and support for providers and ultrasound education for sonographers to be able to provide Level II, high-risk ultrasounds at local healthcare facilities.

“It is so important that we reach the patients close to home to minimize the burden of seeking specialized care,” said Dr. Hammad. “By bringing this service to the Miles City community, we are fulfilling our mission and values. Personally, as an MFM physician, it is rewarding to help the women we serve, facing a high-risk pregnancy, minimize the stress during their pregnancy, which we believe is beneficial for the mother and her child.”

There are a number of factors that may lead a woman to experience a high-risk pregnancy, or a pregnancy that carries increased health risks for the mother or baby, requiring the need to see a specialist including: pre-existing health conditions, age, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or other conditions.

To learn more visit hrh-mt.org/baby or call the women’s health clinic at Holy Rosary, (406) 233-2500.

By Dr. Steven Griffin, Pediatrician, Holy Rosary Healthcare

Summer brings a number of safety challenges for young outdoor adventurers, not to mention for concerned parents. As a pediatrician, I wanted to share a few easy ways to keep your kids safe this season. 

In the water. Start them early! It’s never too soon to sign up for swim lessons. Always keep a close eye on kids at the pool, lake or ocean, and insist on life jackets when you’re on a boat. If your child is having trouble breathing during or after water activities please take them to your nearest emergency department. It is also important to brush up on your CPR skills in the case of an emergency.

In the sun. Powerful sun rays can cause burns in a matter of minutes, even on a cloudy day. Liberally apply a high-SPF sunscreen 30 minutes before any outdoor activity, and don't forget hats and sunglasses. Also, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen if you are planning to spend several hours outside to maintain the protection. 

In the woods. If it’s too warm to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, spray kids down with insect repellent before spending time in the woods. Avoid using sweet-smelling soaps, perfumes, or lotions that can tempt bees and wasps. If your child has a life-threatening allergy to stings, don’t leave home without a pre-filled epinephrine injector. 

In the car. On hot days, temperatures inside a closed car can quickly reach deadly levels. Never leave kids alone in a vehicle, even for a short errand, and double-check the backseat every time you exit.  

On the bike. Gear up for safety by outfitting your child with a properly sized bike helmet. If they’re cycling alone or with a friend, know their route and check in with them during the ride. 

Please join us for an evening of family fun at Holy Rosary Healthcare’s Kids Summer Kickoff. This event is to celebrate Holy Rosary Healthcare’s long-standing commitment to keeping care close to home for children in our region. You will have the chance to meet me and the other providers that make this incredible care possible. We will have fun for the whole family, including bounce houses for all ages, health and safety booths, face painting, games, prizes and more. The community event will take place on the East Lawn at Holy Rosary Healthcare on Thursday, June 16 at 4 - 7 pm.

By Liane Vadheim, Registered Dietitian, Holy Rosary Healthcare 

As we close National Nutrition Month with our theme, “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” we wanted to share another opportunity for you to experience something new, using ingredients we can find at home. This week we are sharing a healthy, global crowd-pleaser: Stir fry. 

As we are sharing at Holy Rosary, you might not realize that the resources we need to showcase healthy flavors from cultures worldwide are available right here in Miles City. Whether it is from any local grocery store, our locally sourced meat producers, farmer's markets, or our gardens in the summer, the ingredients to find tasty ways to nourish ourselves are right here in our community. Often all it takes is a special ingredient or two to turn our usual fare into a culinary trip around the world.

Stir fry is an ancient cooking technique that originated in China and has spread throughout Asia and now found around the world.  It began as a way to conserve fuel since foods are cooked quickly over high heat. Stir fry is a fresh and fast way to cook with nutritious tastes and textures for everyone.  It is adaptable to personal preferences and available ingredients.  

A trip to the Asian food aisle in the grocery store will convince you that all but the most exotic ingredients are easily available.  In fact, the number of different choices can be overwhelming.  
 

Trying some of the different items is fun, but here are the basic building blocks:

Underneath it All:  Rice (lots of kinds), noodles (even more kinds), quinoa, lettuce or cabbage.

Oil: It doesn’t take much–this is one place NOT to use olive oil because it’s smoke point is too low.  Use canola or peanut oil.  Sesame and chili oils are options for a flavor punch.

Vegetables: Anything you like from the produce aisle. If you are in a hurry look for pre-chopped fresh or frozen stir fry vegetables. Think fruit also–pineapple, oranges, or mango.

Protein: Beef, pork, chicken, seafood, tofu, or vegetarian

Sauce and Marinade: The simplest method is to buy a stir fry sauce that you like.  I use a few basic ingredients to create my own: lower sodium soy sauce, broth, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, dry sherry, and add whatever taste I am looking for with things like hoisin, oyster, fish, or chili sauces.

Equipment: A wok or a large skillet.  Something to stir with.

The basic rules of stir fry are simple:

• Have ingredients ready before you start cooking.  Cut foods into similar sized pieces.
• Use high heat–just below smoking hot
• Add ingredients in small batches–everything needs room to move
• Keep it moving–the first word in stir fry is stir

The “special ingredients” that I think make all the difference are:

1.  Fresh ginger-It’s that knobby looking root in the produce section.  I always keep some in a small bag in the freezer ready to grate, mince, dice or slice.
2. Fresh garlic-Another thing that is easily available but a key ingredient.
3. Sesame oil - This is the flavor that says “Asian” to me.  It is intense so I just add a bit near the end of cooking rather than use it as the stir fry oil.

By Liane Vadheim, Registered Dietitian, Holy Rosary Healthcare 

You may remember just where you were in March 2020 when COVID-19 began impacting all of our lives. I remember getting a 2 a.m. telephone call while vacationing in southern Spain, telling us we had until midnight the next day to be back in the United States. A quick scramble arranged a fifty-mile ride to the nearest airport, getting us back to Montana just in time to quarantine for two weeks. As a registered dietitian and a foodie, I love traveling and exploring cultures through their foods. While that has been a little more challenging the last two years, I have found other fun and creative ways to share my passion. 

March is National Nutrition Month, and at Holy Rosary Healthcare, we are celebrating with the theme of “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” As we are sharing at the hospital, you might not realize that the resources we need to showcase healthy flavors from cultures worldwide are available right here in Miles City. Whether it is from any local grocery store, our locally sourced meat producers, farmer's markets, or our gardens in the summer, the ingredients to find tasty ways to nourish ourselves are right here in our community. Often all it takes is a special ingredient or two to turn our usual fare into a culinary trip around the world. 

To help you taste the world, I wanted to share one of my favorite “special” ingredients, smoked paprika, and a recipe so that you can use it at home. For me, it was one of those “change your life” discoveries. A pimenton pepper is slowly smoked over an oak wood fire in southwestern Spain. The smoky, slightly spicy pepper isn’t anything like ordinary paprika. In Spain, it is typically used in their signature dish, paella or the tapas favorite, patatas bravas. But you don’t have to be cooking Spanish style to enjoy it–I think it is essential in my chili, and it works well in any meat dish and any barbeque dish for an extra depth of flavor. 

Paella is a perfect example of a nutritious, one-pot meal customized to available ingredients. It has rice and vegetables with protein options. It would be made with mussels, squid, and clams near the seacoast. It could also contain chorizo. Below is a recipe made with locally available ingredients. 


Spanish Paella 


1 Medium Onion 
6 Garlic Cloves 
1 Sweet Red Pepper 
2 or 3 Roma Tomatoes (or 15 oz petite diced tomatoes) 
¼ cup of olive oil 
½ pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined 
1 ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika 
¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes 
1 large pinch of saffron or turmeric 
1 ½ teaspoons salt 
3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock 
1 ½ cups short grain rice 
¼ cup frozen peas 
½ cup artichoke hearts, quartered 
Lemon wedges 

Chop onion, garlic, red pepper, and tomatoes and organize your ingredients. 
Dry the shrimp and toss in a bowl with ½ t smoked paprika and ¼ t salt. 
In a large skillet (unless you have a paella pan), heat 1 T olive oil and saute the shrimp until barely opaque–1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. 
In the same pan, heat 3 T olive oil on medium heat. Saute onion, garlic, and peppers for about 3 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, 1 t smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the stock, saffron, and 1 ¼ t salt. Sprinkle rice evenly across the broth. Bring to a medium simmer and cook without stirring. When the top of the rice is beginning to show through (about 10 minutes), press the peas and artichokes into the rice. Continue simmering until liquid is absorbed (about 10 more minutes). 
Observe the paella and rotate the pan to keep the heat even in the last few minutes. As the paella finishes, you’ll see the steam start to slow down. You won't see any standing water if you peek down in it with a spatula. The sound will change from a simmer to a crackle. This means the typical crust is forming on the bottom. Let it crackle for about 2 minutes but stop if you smell any burning. Arrange the shrimp on top and squeeze it with fresh lemon juice. Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal) 


Liane Vadheim is a Registered Dietitian at Holy Rosary Healthcare and part of the Diabetes Prevention Program called Healthy Lifestyles, offered at Holy Rosary in cooperation with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. 
 

‘Caring Through COVID’ provides a profound view into the lives of nine SCL Health Montana caregivers and what they’ve encountered over the past two years while delivering a compelling storyline as the healthcare workers share their experiences in their own words. 

‘Caring Through COVID’ was televised on the Montana CBS affiliates in the Billings, Bozeman, and Butte markets in January and February 2022 and can now be viewed in its entirety online at SCLHealth.org/CaringThroughCOVID.

In early September, Breanna Higgins, 35, arrived at Holy Rosary Healthcare with a high fever and huffing for air; her oxygen levels were bottoming out. After receiving a COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a higher level of care. 

“I didn’t realize my condition was as severe as it was until the caregivers asked if I’d be willing to be placed on a ventilator if needed,” recalled Higgins. “At that moment, I immediately thought of my 10-year-old daughter. The idea of leaving her at such a young age was unimaginable.” 

Unfortunately, Higgins’s condition worsened, and soon it became clear that she needed to be intubated. Before being placed on the ventilator, she visited via a virtual video platform with her daughter and mother. 

“Throughout the pandemic, I have worked with a lot of families to help them connect and speak with their loved ones before they needed to be intubated,” explained Tia Seleg, Higgins’ respiratory therapist at Holy Rosary. “It was a very emotional situation because we didn’t know if this would be the last time she’d be able to speak with her daughter.”

Higgins spent a week in the ICU at Holy Rosary before she was flown to Saint Joseph Hospital, a sister SCL Health facility, in Denver, Colorado. She was placed on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for a month, a machine that oxygenated her blood and worked as her heart and lungs. Her care team at Holy Rosary remained in contact with the physicians at Saint Joseph and received frequent updates on her condition. 

“When we found out that she was improving, after spending a month on ECMO, it was such incredible news. It truly is a miracle,“ said Seleg.

 After two months in Colorado and with her condition improving, Higgins returned to Montana to continue her treatment closer to home. She was flown to Billings and spent just over a month at the Advanced Care Hospital of Montana being weaned from the ventilator. 

“I was so happy to be that much closer to home,” shared Higgins. “I was grateful for visits from family and friends who made the trip over to Billings.”

Christmas week, she received the news she had longed to hear: she was finally well enough to be transferred back to Miles City for her next phase of care and rehabilitation. When she arrived at Holy Rosary, she was met with a tearful reunion. 

“My daughter and mother were already there waiting for me,” Higgins recalled. “It was one of the happiest moments of my life.”  

After more than four months of hospitalizations and undergoing intensive treatments, Higgins was able to go home in January. This time, cheering caregivers lined the hospital halls to wish her well.

“That was a big moment for us all,” recalled Seleg. “It was so wonderful to see her go home after the battle she’d fought. We have had so much loss during this pandemic, and this was a good story.”

Higgins’ health continues to improve daily through rehabilitation and physical therapy, and she is relieved to be home enjoying all of life’s simple pleasures: like eating food! 

As she reflects on her incredible, near-death experience, Higgins shared, “Always make sure you tell your loved ones how you feel because you don’t know when it will be the last time. Live each day as if it is your last.”  

“I am alive today thanks to the excellent healthcare I received, encouragement from my loved ones, lots of prayers, and divine intervention. I am beyond grateful.”

Miles City, MT - Holy Rosary Healthcare recently started a reading program for its youngest patients by partnering with the organization Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that champions the positive effects of reading daily and engaging in other language-rich activities with young children. According to the organization, reading together promotes healthy brain development, furthers language acquisition, and helps families build meaningful bonds.

Dr. Lisa Yamamoto, a family medicine physician at Holy Rosary Healthcare Clinic, spearheaded the project for Holy Rosary with the financial support of the Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation and private donors. As part of the program, at routine check-ups, Holy Rosary providers will share knowledge and tools with families to make reading a part of their daily routine, including providing children up to five years old with a supply of books they need to get started.

“I'm an impassioned advocate of early literacy as it addresses ways to improve poverty rates and help our young students be successful,” stated Dr. Yamamoto. “I feel we need to take responsibility for educating our children in fun and enjoyable ways. When we as parents become trusted providers of education, it instills in our children the strong morals, ethics and belief systems that Montanans are known for.”

The Early Literacy book program is for established patients from ages four months to five years old. Reach Out and Read was founded in 1989 to help families make reading a part of their routines. This program is offered in all 50 states, providing 7-million books each year.

Miles City, MT - First of all, a huge thank you for the support Holy Rosary Healthcare has received from our community throughout 2021. Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we have seen how our friends and neighbors care for each other and show up in times of need.

At Holy Rosary, we cared for a record number of patients through our emergency department in 2021. We saw the direct impact COVID-19 had on our 25-bed hospital as we flexed our capacity to care for nearly 40 inpatients at one time. We experienced tremendous collaboration with our community partners as we mobilized and hosted vaccine clinics and drive-up testing services to ensure our community was well served.

We also made concerted efforts to ensure our most valued resources were well cared for: our caregivers. Throughout the year, we expressed our gratitude in various ways, such as providing take-home meals, gift cards to be used at local businesses, care kits, resilience activities, and a designated relaxation space. We cannot thank them enough for their dedication and care to our community, as well as to each other. They truly live our mission to reveal and foster God’s healing love by improving the health of the people and communities we serve, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.

While there were many challenges in 2021, we have much to celebrate as we reflect on last year and look ahead to 2022.

Holy Rosary received full Level IV (4) trauma designation. This designation means that we have demonstrated an ability to provide advanced trauma life support prior to transferring patients needing a higher-level trauma center. We are committed to providing our injured patients with the critical care they need, including evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic services.

Holy Rosary was recognized nationally as one of the “Best Maternity Hospitals” by US News and World Report. Holy Rosary Clinic also expanded Maternal-Fetal Medicine services in partnership with Intermountain Healthcare to support women experiencing complicated or high-risk pregnancies.

We expanded our primary care services by welcoming two family medicine physicians to our team in 2021: Dr. Lisa Yamamoto and Dr. Jeannette McIntyre. Dr. McIntyre also provides obstetrical services. Holy Rosary brought on another general surgeon, Dr. Craig Thompson, who joined Dr. Imudia Ehanire in our surgical services department.

To ensure our facility will continue providing safe, quality care to our community, we also completed several infrastructure projects at Holy Rosary last year, including:

• New helipad to support 24/7 air ambulance flights
• Newly remodeled swing bed unit, which will provide a new space for our patients who remain with us for additional therapy needs after their acute hospital stay
• Updated surgical suites

Thank you for the confidence you show in us and for the privilege of serving you. May the New Year provide many blessings to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,
Karen Costello
President, Holy Rosary Healthcare

By Rob Brugger, Director of Therapy Services, Holy Rosary Healthcare

Miles City, MT - Physical therapy as a career generally attracts caring, supportive, compassionate, and patient people. Amy Tooke, a Holy Rosary Healthcare physical therapy assistant (PTA) and athletic trainer, embodies many of those characteristics. She is one of those people who never seems to run out of energy, and is always the first to step in if there is a need in the hospital or community.

One of Amy’s team members recently shared, “There isn’t a day that goes by where Amy doesn’t find at least one way to help someone else, and all on top of being a wife and a mother of three.”

Most notable to those around her is how she goes above and beyond to help the patients she works with every day. She is a strong patient advocate and promotes cooperation and collaboration for the best care for her patients. While Amy shows extraordinary commitment to everyone she serves, there is one situation in particular that stands out.

Matt Bickle suffered a stroke while driving his truck, causing a roll-over accident. Because of the accident, Matt suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. Matt spent two initial months in the hospital healing from his injuries and the stroke.

Once he became minimally responsive, Amy began working with him five days a week in physical therapy to help him heal and progress. Amy worked to meet Matt’s unique physical, emotional, and practical needs by doing her own extensive research so that she could better communicate with him. Amy worked tirelessly to help Matt with his mobility, and cheered him on through every victory.

Tammy Holmes, Matt’s wife, explained that Matt doesn’t bond easily with people, but because of Amy’s compassion, empathy, and respect, he took to her quickly. After three months of intensive in-patient physical therapy, Matt was able to return home and continue therapy in an outpatient setting. Tammy shared that Amy came to their home to check on Matt on multiple occasions. To her, it was clear that Amy cared far beyond what her job required, saying, “The biggest thing with Amy is this isn’t a job to her, it’s her passion.”

October is national physical therapy month and we would like to thank Amy, and all of our physical therapists, at Holy Rosary Healthcare for the service and care they provide to our patients and community.

Miles City, MT - After working as a nurse for 15 years, becoming a cancer patient nurse navigator at Holy Rosary Healthcare was a calling for Jenille Brugger.

“I am a huge advocate for our patients,” she shared. “This new position allows me to spend more time getting to know our patients and where they are coming from. I get to understand their needs and how we can better care for them.”

“My goal is to make sure they understand their diagnosis and treatment options in order to help each patient make the best decision for themself.”

Holy Rosary created the nurse navigator position in June 2021 because research has shown that these programs lead to improved engagement with patients and improved quality and safety outcomes.

“Research shows that nurse navigation programs are associated with shorter time frames between cancer diagnosis and start of treatment, increased patient and caregiver knowledge, and improved quality of life,” said Janice Dent, RN, Director of Oncology, Hospice and Palliative Care, Holy Rosary Healthcare.

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, Brugger believes her role is very important in supporting them from the initial diagnosis through treatment.

“Learning you have breast cancer is overwhelming and making decisions about what to do next can be scary,” she said. “For some women, they may feel like they are losing their dignity. I feel honored to sit and listen to their concerns and offer the support needed to get them through tough times.”

Holy Rosary Healthcare is able to provide a wide scope of services and treatments for women and breast cancer patients, from initial screening mammograms and surgery to chemotherapy. There are some cases where patients may need to travel for additional treatments. As the patient navigator, Brugger also helps to coordinate that care as well. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, she is able to provide financial support for travel and housing when a patient may need to travel to a different facility for care.

“It was so helpful to have Jenille as my nurse navigator throughout my breast cancer journey,” said Cheryl Ford. “She was such a sweetheart and always helped me get the answers to my questions even when they were difficult. Knowing she was on my team meant a lot to me.”

Brugger says her role goes beyond just discussing the medical side of the treatment and care. She also connects patients to resources to help with financial concerns as well as emotional and mental health resources.

Although she is new to the role, it has provided Brugger with a renewed sense of passion for her work.

“It's very exciting to have this position, “ she said. “We have an outstanding team and I really enjoy working closely with them to provide the best care to the patients in our community.”

Miles City, MT - Cheryl Ford and her husband Henry retired to peaceful Terry, Montana from a rowdy California city a year ago. When she came to Holy Rosary Healthcare for her routine annual mammogram earlier this year, a radiologist found an area of concern that he wanted to compare to Ford’s previous scans. In the meantime, she also discovered a lump in her breast. Fords’s care team ordered an ultrasound and recommended that she have a biopsy, after reviewing the results. In May 2021, Cheryl was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer.

After the diagnosis, Ford met with Jenille Brugger, a cancer patient nurse navigator at Holy Rosary to learn more about her diagnosis and to help her with the next steps in her treatment. Brugger walked her through the whirlwind journey over the next weeks and months in a way that allowed her to feel more comfortable. Ford shared, “Jenille was amazing to have on my team.”

For her treatment plan, Cheryl proceeded with a lumpectomy in June and removal of 15 lymph nodes, and a port placement for chemotherapy in July under the care of Dr. Imudia Ehanire.

“She was so very considerate and explained everything so well,” said Ford, “Dr. E even took the time to teach my husband how to clean my wound area properly and when we returned for an appointment gave him kudos for how clean the area was. This meant so much to me.”

Throughout her treatment she also had regular appointments with her Primary Care Provider, Kara Erickson, PA. “She is so thorough and takes time to listen and gives many suggestions.”

Ford is grateful that to this point that she has been able to access and receive her care in the local community.

“It has been a great blessing that I’ve been able to do all of my care in Miles City, so close to home. I don’t think I would have made it with a lot of traveling,” said Ford. “I feel like I’ve had the best care by a wonderful team at Holy Rosary Healthcare.”

For her on-going treatment, she was able to use tele-health services at Holy Rosary to meet regularly with Dr. Patrik Cobb, her oncologist. She also received her chemotherapy treatments at Holy Rosary. “The Outpatient Infusion team is amazing and makes you feel like you are a part of their family,” she said. “They truly care about each and every patient.”

She just recently took her last chemo treatment and will now travel to Billings for her radiation treatments.

Miles City, MT - Breathing issues can take away your ability to participate in and enjoy everyday activities. For the past decade, Holy Rosary Healthcare has offered Pulmonary Rehabilitation to help patients breathe better and regain their quality of life.

“I love working with these patients because I see where they start and how far they come through the program,” explained Diane Moeller, a registered nurse with Holy Rosary’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. “They all have a special life story to share.”

Phyllis Riley is one of those patients. Riley is a lung cancer patient and began her journey with pulmonary rehabilitation after contracting COVID-19 earlier this year.

“I come twice a week, have a blast and can definitely tell a difference in my health,” she said.

Pulmonary rehabilitation, also known as respiratory rehabilitation, is a formatted care program that combines exercise, education and support. Holy Rosary’s pulmonary rehabilitation specialists create personalized treatment plans to support patients, like Riley, reach their health goals and help them get back to doing what they love.

Riley and her friend, Gloria Tucker, also a pulmonary rehabilitation patient, enjoy completing their rehab exercises together so they can challenge and cheer for each other.

“The care team does an amazing job teaching us and supporting us through the process,” added Riley. “We all become like a family. We are blessed to have this service at Holy Rosary.”

To learn more about pulmonary rehabilitation at Holy Rosary, please visit https://www.sclhealth.org/locations/holy-rosary-healthcare/services/respiratory/

Miles City, MT - Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the first and fifth most common causes of death in the United States; both are particularly deadly because the acute nature of heart attacks and strokes requires time-sensitive treatment to save lives and reduce lasting disability. In rural areas, long distances to healthcare make timely treatment an even greater challenge. Thanks to a grant from the American Heart Association, Holy Rosary Healthcare will be able to improve stroke care as part of the Montana Mission:Lifeline Stroke.

Mission: Lifeline Stroke is a program for transforming stroke care by focusing efforts on connecting all of the components of acute stroke care into a smoothly integrated system that reinforces use of evidence-based guidelines, measures performance, identifies gaps, and engages in improvement projects at a systems level.

“The grant funds will help us not only to provide valued stroke education to our frontline healthcare providers, but it will also help us to improve processes related to stroke and quality improvements to ensure that we are meeting national standards. This then equates to exceptional patient care which leads to better patient outcomes,” said Holy Rosary Healthcare’s Trauma Program Manager, deAmbra Coleman, BSN, RN. “Recognition and the facilitation of stroke care does not only happen at the hospital. Many times it happens within the community or at home so early awareness of the symptoms is key. Being able to offer education and resources to our local community and emergency services is a proactive approach to saving lives.”

“The goal of Mission: Lifeline Stroke is to give patients in Montana the best possible chance at survival and recovery to an independent quality of life,” said Joani Guzman, American Heart Association Quality Systems Manager, Mission:Lifeline Stroke Montana.” It’s exciting to see the enthusiastic response the program is receiving from critical elements of the system throughout the state, such as Holy Rosary Healthcare. The end result will be a win for Montana stroke patients and their families.”

Miles City, MT - Do you remember the time your wife urged you to go to the doctor but you wouldn’t go? Inevitably, whatever ailment you had got considerably worse which forced you to seek medical attention, but maybe even more detrimental, you had to tell your wife, “You were right.” Men are less likely than women to seek medical attention and see a doctor on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this does not mean that we are healthier. Despite what we may think, we are not superhuman and we can have ailments. Luckily, there are some actionable steps to control our health. So, let’s go ahead and take a look at 5 common men’s health issues:

Cardiovascular Disease: The leading cause of death in the United States is cardiovascular disease, which is also true for men. In 2019 there were 357,601 deaths due to heart disease and this accounted for 1 in 4 deaths among men. Half of these gentlemen did not have any symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling tired with exercise) before they had a heart attack. Even if you feel completely healthy, 1 in 13 men have some amount of plaque in the vessels of the heart. This can be concerning, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. Talk to your healthcare provider about your cardiovascular risk and ask to get a cholesterol panel or labs to discuss this further. One of the biggest ways we can reduce your risk is by changing your lifestyle including not smoking, increasing activity, and eating a healthy diet. All of these can reduce the chance of having a heart attack.

Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes has been on the rise for the last 20 years all over the globe. Over one-third of the population has pre-diabetes and leads to 1 in 10 people having type 2 diabetes. A number of issues can arise with this diagnosis including numbness in your extremities, vision loss, stroke, and erectile dysfunction. The largest risk though, is cardiovascular. Those with type 2 diabetes have the same risk of having a heart attack as someone who has already had one. With routine screening and regular checkups, there are steps to help prevent this from happening. The best tool we have for combating type 2 diabetes is exercise and a healthy diet. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly and to eat a diet of fruits, veggies, and lean meats. Next time you see your healthcare provider ask about diabetes screening with an A1C and talk about ways to increase activity and eat better.

Mental Health: Mental health can be a hard issue to talk about, especially as men. I know a lot of us can bottle things up and not seek help until it is too late. Untreated depression and anxiety can cause significant problems with family, friends, and work. In the United States, suicide remains the seventh leading cause of death and men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. There is a large stigma around depression and anxiety among men but it is okay to ask for help. If you are having any issues with excessive worry, irritability, or sadness please talk with your primary care provider or reach out to Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK or text “MT” to 741 741.

Prostate Cancer: Many men may worry about prostate cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and prostate cancer among men is quite common. 13 out of 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime and 2-3 of those men will die from it. Having a first-degree family member and older age increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. We recommend discussing the need for PSA screening for men 55 to 69 years old. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk and if PSA screening is right for you.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as “regular arthritis,” is something many men have encountered. This happens when joints degenerate over time. Many people will not have any symptoms, but for others, it can cause significant pain. It can be located anywhere in the body with a joint including the back, hands, knees, and hips. About 19% of men have arthritis and this is expected to rise over the next 20 years. The largest risk factors for developing arthritis are age (which we can’t change), poor movement, and obesity. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your aches and pains. Regular exercise helps improve strength, movement patterns, and can decrease pain. Also, a healthy diet can lead to weight loss which reduces stress on joints. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor about possible medications and ways to increase movement.

Taking control of your health is an important part of improving your life and wellbeing. Many of the common health issues men face can be prevented or reduced by good lifestyle choices. Eating a diet of whole foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean meats does not only make you feel better, but helps you lose weight. Regular exercise daily can improve a number of ailments and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and pain from arthritis. So, if you don’t want your wife to tell you, “I told you so,” call your healthcare provider and schedule an appointment for a checkup and discuss some of the common health issues among men.

Chad Sievers, PA, is an advanced practice professional at SCL Health – Holy Rosary Healthcare Clinic. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 406-233-2500.

Miles City, MT - Approximately 8 million people in the U.S. live with chronic wounds, more than the number of people with breast, colon and lung cancers combined. These wounds, which persist and won’t heal, often are caused by diseases like diabetes that affect blood circulation and also may occur in people who use wheelchairs or are bedridden. Holy Rosary Healthcare is now offering wound care services twice a month to assist patients with similar health issues in eastern Montana through an outreach program with St. Vincent Healthcare.

For 83-year-old Carola Moline, of Miles City, she has experienced firsthand the benefits of Holy Rosary’s newly offered wound care service. Several years ago, Moline suffered a few different leg injuries that required her to wear leg braces to aid in the healing process. The braces seemed to have created a long-lasting irritation that developed on her leg and foot, which later developed into a wound that would not properly heal. This caused her feet to swell, the wound to leak, and then a large-spreading infection.

In January 2021, she started experiencing even more serious wound issues and was soon diagnosed with lymphedema, a swelling of a body part, usually in the arm or leg, that is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, preventing the proper drainage of lymphatic fluid and resulting in edema (swelling) and discomfort.

The next several months required intensive therapies to help correct this chronic health issue and to Moline’s benefit, Holy Rosary began offering wound care services in March 2021. Together, Holy Rosary’s experienced team established a comprehensive plan to help Carola walk through the healing process.

“A chronic wound is one that has stalled in the healing process,” said Janel Barta, Wound Healing Manager. “Symptoms of these may include drainage, fever, odor, pain and swelling. We see chronic ulcers, burns and more, all of which we’re prepared to treat at Holy Rosary. This is a great service to offer to our hard-working community.”

At a patient’s first wound care appointment, Holy Rosary’s Wound Care team goes over their medical history, examines the affected area, then uses several diagnostic tools to help identify the cause of chronic wounds. From there, a treatment and healing process begins.

Since Carola first started visiting Holy Rosary’s wound care team, she has seen a significant improvement in her wounds.

“I am feeling good and my wounds are well on their way to being fully healed,” said Moline. “The team is very welcoming and skilled at what they do. I am so happy to have a service like this close to home.”

To learn more about the wound care services offered at Holy Rosary, call 406-237-8270.

Miles City, MT - When Stephanie Irish, 64, started experiencing stomach pain last August, she never expected that a visit to her doctor would lead to the discovery of cancer.

“It was a complete shock. With no family history, I just thought, ‘Where in the world did that come from?’” recalled Irish.

On August 28, 2020 Irish was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Just a few days later, she underwent surgery and soon began six rounds of chemotherapy.

“I lost my hair, but luckily I didn’t get sick from the chemo,” explained Irish.

Irish was able to receive her chemotherapy infusions at Holy Rosary Healthcare’s Infusion Center, eliminating the need to travel for care.

“It was absolutely wonderful. Not needing to travel out of town for my treatment each month and being able to see my oncologist both in-person and virtually throughout chemo was such a blessing,” said Irish. “The gals even threw me a party on my last day of chemotherapy and had me ring a bell symbolizing the end of my treatment. The entire team there was just incredible.”

Holy Rosary Infusion Center Nurse Manager, Katie Donnelly, RN, was inspired by Irish’s determination to beat cancer and the positive outlook she maintained throughout her entire treatment process.

“Stephanie really did so amazing during her treatments with us,” said Donnelly. “She was an inspiration for other patients and always showed concern for others even while she was fighting her own battle. She even continued to enjoy working at Vintage and Rustics despite undergoing a tough chemotherapy regimen.”

“Vintage and Rustics were so wonderful and accommodating to me,” added Irish. “I’m so grateful for their support throughout my cancer treatment and am so happy to be working more these days!”

The diagnosis rocked Irish’s world, but she never doubted for a minute that she wouldn’t survive.

“God’s got me. That was my first thought,” said Irish. “And he did. When I look back on all that I’ve endured and overcome the past 10 months, it’s just a miracle. He carried me through it and I’m so thankful for His complete healing.”

Additionally, Irish is filled with gratitude for her husband, family, friends and community for their prayers and for supporting her through some of the most difficult days of her life. Irish is now looking forward to celebrating being cancer-free with her children and grandchildren later this summer.

In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day on June 6, 2021, Holy Rosary is honored to celebrate all cancer survivors for their strength, determination, grace and grit. From making the first screening appointment, to understanding a cancer diagnosis, to treatment and beyond, Holy Rosary’s team is here to guide patients every step of the way.

Miles City, MT - When trauma strikes, you need immediate, advanced care from emergency experts. The Holy Rosary Healthcare trauma team, including specialized doctors, surgeons, and nurses, is ready to respond 24/7 with life-saving care and treatment. As a designated Level IV Trauma Center, Holy Rosary Healthcare is committed to having the right people, processes, equipment, and training in place to work with our first responders when an unexpected injury occurs.

“Our trauma team is proud to serve our community 24 hours a day, and a critical component of the process is the dedication and commitment of our first responders who ensure the patient arrives at our facility in the best condition possible,” said deAmbra Coleman, Holy Rosary Healthcare Trauma Program Manager. “We are so grateful to our local EMS agencies who humbly provide life-saving services to our region day and night. When every second counts, these frontline heroes don’t hesitate to risk their lives to save ours.”

In recognition of Trauma Awareness Month, Holy Rosary Healthcare was honored to deliver gift baskets to local EMS agencies to appreciate their teams’ selflessness in providing life-saving emergency care to the people of eastern Montana. Holy Rosary can provide emergency care and save the lives of our community members because of the support and collaboration of our local EMS agencies.

Miles City, MT - Traditionally, wound healing has been under the supervision of basic nursing practice. Important factors that contribute to successful wound healing include appropriate wound covering management, therapeutic nutrition, mobility and psychosocial support. Nurses play a crucial role in handling and managing acute wounds and chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, bedsores, foot ulcers and venous ulcers.

A 2018 retrospective analysis of Medicare beneficiaries identified that approximately 8.2 million people had wounds with or without infections. Medicare cost estimates for acute and chronic wound treatments ranged from $28.1 billion to $96.8 billion. Highest expenses were for surgical wounds followed by diabetic foot ulcers, with a higher trend toward costs associated with outpatient wound care compared with inpatient. Increasing costs of healthcare, an aging population, recognition of difficult-to-treat infection threats such as biofilms, and the continued threat of diabetes and obesity worldwide make chronic wounds a substantial clinical, social, and economic challenge. Due to the above statistics, it is crucial that nurses as well as other allied health professionals have the most up to date training and education related to wound care and prevention of wounds.

On May 11, 2021, Holy Rosary was honored to have the 3M and KCI representative, Katie Dyer, provide education to our registered nurses. Katie demonstrated basic wound vac application and dressing change, as well as tips and tricks for troubleshooting wound vac alarms. She also provided some education on general wound care and advanced wound dressings. When asked about something she learned during the class Megan Schmitz, RN in the ICU stated, “I thought it was especially neat to see the use of coloplast strips and Eakin rings for wound vac seals! I have used it many times for ostomy care or fistula management systems, but never thought of it for wound vacs.”

Miles City, MT - For nearly 27 years, Kimberly Phipps has been an instrumental part of the nursing team at Holy Rosary Healthcare and this week, she was recognized as the hospital’s first ever DAISY Award winner for outstanding nurses.

“Kimberly is an exceptional member of our nursing team at Holy Rosary Healthcare. I am thrilled that we are able to celebrate her during Nurses Week with this special DAISY Award recognition,” said Carol Enderle, Holy Rosary Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing & Operating Officer.

Kimberly was recognized for going above and beyond while providing care to a hospitalized patient at Holy Rosary Healthcare. She went the extra mile to make the patient and their family’s stay more comfortable.

“Our needs were always met with a sweet and caring attitude,” mentioned the DAISY Award Nominator. “Thank you for caring for my daughter, so we could rest when needed. You truly made our stay enjoyable and comforting.”

Kimberly takes pride in being a part of each of her patients’ care and recovery journeys. She especially enjoys taking care of newborns. Kimberly exemplifies Holy Rosary’s core value of Caring Spirit, as she always shows a high level of compassion to each and every patient.

“The care that Kimberly, alongside our entire care team, provides has touched the lives of so many in our community,” added Enderle. “Kimberly does a tremendous job in helping us meet the health and wellness needs of the individuals and families in eastern Montana and we are so grateful for her outstanding contributions to our hospital. This award is well deserved.”

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 from the autoimmune disease, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The Barnes family was awestruck by the care and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created this international award to say ‘Thank you’ to nurses everywhere. The award honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care that nurses provide. “DAISY” stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

Holy Rosary Healthcare recognizes all nurses for the work they do and for the sacrifice they have made in caring for others. The Miles City community and Eastern Montana are fortunate to have such devoted and compassionate caregivers serving this region.

Miles City, MT - Holy Rosary Healthcare is pleased to share that it has earned a CDC Full recognition for our continued efforts around diabetes prevention. This designation recognizes the outstanding commitment shown from our Healthy Lifestyles Program to delivering the highest quality of education and resources to prevent type 2 diabetes in eastern Montana, throughout our state and nationally.

This recognition is due to the countless hours that our Healthy Lifestyles program has spent with our community inside the classroom and even following our participants’ completion of the program.

“This recognition demonstrates our continued efforts to lower the risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Liane Vadheim, Clinical Dietitian. “This is thanks to the participation of our community and desire to create sustainable lifestyle changes.”

If you’ve been thinking about improving your health and becoming more active, there’s never been a better time than right now to prevent diabetes and heart disease, optimize control of our health, and empower and energize your commitment.

Within the first months of our core, personalized program, you will experience:

• Weight loss and lifestyle goal setting
• Interactions with experienced lifestyle coaches
• Educational sessions to help guide your goal attainment
• Diet and physical activity guidance from trained experts
• Guided exercise activities
• Many free resources and prizes to assist and encourage your success

Following your completion of this program, your journey does not end there -- there are still six more months of follow-up curriculum, involving group sessions with lifestyle coaches, additional assistance and tracking of lifestyle goals, and activities to keep you on track and working toward long-term lifestyle changes.

Healthy Lifestyles classes begin April 7. Registration before March 31 is only $100 and after March 31 is $150. Safe in-person classes with virtual connection options are available if needed.

Your health is your future; let’s make it better together. For more information or to reserve your spot today, please call 406-778-5448.

Click here to learn more about CDC Diabetes Prevention Programs.

Miles City. MT - Gloria Tucker’s remarkable COVID-19 journey began on January 4, 2021 when she arrived at the Holy Rosary Healthcare Emergency Room with COVID-19 symptoms. She was COVID-19 positive, but didn’t require hospitalization at that point. She was directed to go home, rest and if symptoms became more severe, to please come back. Unfortunately, her symptoms worsened and she returned to Holy Rosary Healthcare a couple days later. Gloria was admitted to the Medical Surgical unit for inpatient care where she underwent numerous medical treatments with the help of her “angels,” which is what Gloria called her healthcare team.

Her symptoms continued to worsen and she was relocated to the Intensive Care Unit. After several days of trying several different treatments, it was determined that Gloria needed a higher level of care.

She was flown to Holy Rosary’s SCL Health sister hospital in Billings, St. Vincent Healthcare. When Gloria arrived at St. Vincent, she met another “angel” that held her hand and helped put her at ease. One night during her hospital stay, she said, “I could feel God’s arms around me. I didn’t want to die, but I was at peace. I was not afraid because I could feel his arms around me.”

In the days that followed, Gloria’s health took a positive turn and began to improve significantly. Within a few days, she was transferred to the Advanced Care Hospital of Montana until she could make the trip back home to Holy Rosary Healthcare for rehabilitation.

On February 5, Gloria arrived back in Miles City using five liters of oxygen and still weak from her illness. She was happy to see some of her “angels” that had cared for her during her previous stay, but was thrilled to meet others that would help guide her through recovery.

Tia Seleg, a Holy Rosary Respiratory Therapist, was overjoyed when she saw Gloria in much better health than in the month prior.

“She is one of my favorites, we always have a good time together,” said Seleg. “I actually played rock, paper, scissors with another RT to see who got to do her treatment. She has really become part of the family here. I feel honored to be able to work with her to get her to a point where she gets to finally go home.”

On March 17, Gloria was discharged from Holy Rosary Healthcare.

“I didn’t know if I would ever get to go home again, but thanks to God, his angels and great medical treatments, I do get to,” said Gloria. “I’m excited and nervous, but my family will be there to help me. COVID-19 has changed my life, this is real, but I’m blessed to be able to continue my journey. I’m truly going to miss my compassionate, fun care team. Everyone has been an angel to me. The care I received at Holy Rosary Healthcare from start to finish has been truly amazing.”

As Gloria was wheeled out of the hospital, with only two liters of oxygen and a lot more strength, she was met with applause and prayers from Holy Rosary caregivers and her family as they celebrated all she has endured and overcome in the past two and a half months.

Miles City, MT - While the 2021 Montana Legislative Session is only halfway done, it’s important to take a moment and thank Representative Ken Holmlund for his work in protecting the health and safety of Miles City and eastern Montana.

Recently, Rep. Holmlund stood up for common sense and protection of the most vulnerable. Specifically, he helped stop House Bill 415, which would have prohibited Holy Rosary Healthcare from requiring staff to be vaccinated against certain illnesses and influenza (we do not require our associates to have the COVID-19 vaccine, but we encourage it).

We have a long history in the United States of following recommendations from the CDC to require healthcare workers to have vaccines for illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox) and more. Vaccinations are a clinical best practice and a proven, evidence-based recommendation of the CDC to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers.

At Holy Rosary Healthcare, the safety of our patients and healthcare workers is our top priority. Thanks to the widespread use of vaccines, we have eradicated deadly, disfiguring and paralyzing diseases. Vaccines have saved countless children, adults and elderly from premature death and preventable, life-long disabilities. In hospitals and other healthcare settings, they’ve made the delivery of healthcare safer for both provider and patient.

This strong tradition has protected generations of Americans, and unraveling it makes no sense—especially in the middle of a pandemic.

Rep. Holmlund earned our thanks for keeping decision-making on clinical operations where it belongs: in the hands of local healthcare professionals, not lawmakers in Helena. We wish him well in the second half of the session and if you see him, join me in thanking him for standing up for the health and safety of our healthcare workers and patients we serve.

Karen Costello
President, Holy Rosary Healthcare

Miles City, MT - When pain and stiffness become so overwhelming that it affects your way of life, it’s time to get back to doing the things you love. For one Holy Rosary associate, her discomfort nearly made it intolerable to come to work each day, but because of the services offered within her place of work, she knew she could receive the right care to keep her moving.

The immune system reacts to germs, viruses and injury by sending inflammation to the affected area. The inflammation is meant to surround and protect the delicate nerves and blood vessels in that area of the body. But when inflammation occurs unnecessarily, the condition is called autoimmune disease, which can damage the nerves, joints, muscles and internal organs.

Kristi Plant is a Miles City native and has been at Holy Rosary for 19 years, working in the laboratory as a lab assistant. Much of her work involves ‘hands-on’ activities,’ such as drawing blood. About 7 years ago, she noticed that something may be wrong when everyday movements started to become more difficult. After a visit with her primary care provider, Kara Erickson, Physician Assistant, Kristi was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, known as rheumatoid arthritis.

Nearly 23% of adults have arthritis, yet rheumatoid arthritis affects only 1%, with it being more prevalent among women. Symptoms of rheumatic disease vary based on the person affected and the type of condition. Some symptoms may be vague or widespread, while others are more obvious and easier to diagnose. Common symptoms that appear in many with rheumatic diseases include inflammation, joint pain, stiffness or swelling, a rash, sleep disturbance from pain, toughness, tightening or hardening of the skin, weakness or loss of mobility. For Plant, she experienced many of these symptoms and knew she needed a treatment option that would make it more bearable.

There are currently no cures for rheumatic diseases, but treatment can help alleviate pain, restore mobility and control symptoms. Krisit’s case of rheumatoid arthritis was so severe that it saw her traveling to Billings at the time to receive treatment and soon begin infusions.

When she first started her infusion process, she went to a provider at the Infusion and Osteoporosis Center in Billings. When that facility closed, she began seeing Dr. John Jenkins and Danielle Babcock, PA, at SCL Health Medical Group - Billings Rheumatology.

“There was a time where we had tried so many methods to make my rheumatoid arthritis better that just weren't working,” Plant said. “After my first infusion treatment, the relief was incredible.”

Kristi ran into issues traveling between Miles City and Billings, though. When she was getting her infusions in Billings, this would often require that she take a full day of travel, as she would need to get to the facility at 8 a.m. to start the infusion process that would often take 6 hours to complete. Many times, she would not be able to drive following her treatment, as she would often not feel well or be drowsy from the pre-infusion medications. This required that she get a friend or family member to drive her, or she stay in Billings for the night, which was an additional cost. Fortunately, she was lucky enough to not have treatments during bad winter days, as she receives her infusion treatments every four months, which coincidentally did not coincide with any harsh winter days.

After a discussion with the team at St. Vincent Healthcare, it was suggested that she receive her infusions at Holy Rosary, thus saving her the time and money of traveling to Billings.

Holy Rosary’s Infusion Services team offers a wide range of treatments for several different health issues in addition to rheumatoid arthritis. These include antimicrobial therapy for infections, chemotherapy for cancer treatment, immunoglobulins for immune deficiency disorders, infusions for Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis and much more. Often, if there is an IV treatment available, the team can typically offer this within their infusion center.

“Prior to receiving an infusion, the patient is assessed to ensure that they are healthy enough for the infusion,” said Katie Donnelly, Nurse Manager of Infusion Services at Holy Rosary. “Patients need to meet certain criteria to be treated. After it is determined that a patient can receive their treatment, an IV is placed and the patient is monitored closely throughout the infusion. Oftentimes, the patient may be monitored for up to an hour after completion, in case there happens to be a reaction to the treatment.”

All nurses in Holy Rosary’s Infusion Center are certified in chemotherapy and biotherapy use and are capable of aiding in the infusion process. Speak with your primary care provider to see if infusion services may be the best option for you.

“When I get infusions at Holy Rosary, the team is so good to me and always provides top-notch care,” Plant said. “As an associate, it has been a great experience to see from a patient perspective how the infusion services team approaches patient care, ensuring that each need is met and that I fully understand each step of the process.”

Miles City, MT - December 30, 2019 was a day that ended much differently than expected for Chuck Notbohm, owner of Notbohm Motors in Miles City. While enjoying the holiday season with his family at his cabin in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the area had been hit with a considerable amount of snow. Although a large snow storm was not out of the ordinary for the area, Chuck noticed that he was having a much more difficult time clearing his driveway than usual.

While shoveling, he felt a slight exhaustion and tightening of the chest, but this was not worrying. His major concern came when he decided to finish the snow removal with his Bobcat and had trouble lifting chains over the wheels.

“My youngest son, who was visiting from Arizona, came out to help and see how I was doing. Realizing that I was having trouble, he convinced me to go back into the cabin,” Notbohm said. “As soon as my wife saw me, she knew I was suffering a heart attack. She took my blood pressure, and it was 50/37, so she immediately called for an ambulance.”

Because of the snowstorm that had passed, an emergency vehicle would have had a difficult time traveling the road to the Notbohm cabin, and because of this, they decided to meet the ambulance at the main road. Coincidentally, a snowplow was clearing the road further down the hill and made their journey to the main road safer and quicker.

When he and his wife made it to the main road, Chuck was transported to a hospital in Deadwood, South Dakota, and then to a hospital in Rapid City when he was stabilized. It was there that he had two stents put in his left main coronary artery.

“During this entire time, I was responding and not in any pain or distress, yet the doctor and nursing staff kept saying I was lucky,” Notbohm said. “I did not fully understand why they were saying that.”

Chuck would soon find out how lucky he was, as there was 30-40% damage to his heart.

After a short stay in the hospitals in South Dakota, Chuck would return to Miles City to start his cardiac rehabilitation with the team at Holy Rosary Healthcare. It was there that he met Diane Moeller, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist and Registered Nurse, and Renee Chappell, Rehabilitation Assistant.

“Diane and Renee were able to inform me of the need for good nutrition and exercise,” Notbohm noted. “They were continually monitoring my progress and laying out the future processes we would be going through.”

Although Chuck has always lived a healthy and active lifestyle through his hobbies of yard work, snow removal and cutting firewood, he had often indulged on the luxuries of foods that satisfy the taste buds, but were not necessarily nutritionally beneficial.

“I had to make a choice,” Notbohm said. “I could either continue down the same path I was on previously, with the understanding that this heart event would return, and possibly have a much different outcome, or I could change my diet with healthier foods, watching my fat, sodium, and cholesterol intake, and become healthier along the way. I opted for a healthy lifestyle.”

Fortunately for Notbohm, he never felt too poorly during his heart attack, post-surgery recovery or rehabilitation. During the cardiac rehabilitation process, Chuck’s plan was tailored to his condition, needs and interests. He was involved in monitored exercise, where Holy Rosary’s team developed a personalized exercise plan to get him back to a full life and was provided education to help him understand the proper steps that he could be taking to create a healthier lifestyle.

Just six months after his heart attack, Chuck had made a miraculous progression for his overall heart health. During an examination with his cardiologist in Billings, he was informed that his heart now showed no signs of damage and that there were no indications of leakage from his valves. He credits his speedy recovery to his strong support system and those who cared for him during his most vulnerable time.

“I believe this entire event had more involvement than just the medical side and my heart issue being reversed,” Notbohm said. “It was not only the decisions made with foods and exercise, but also because of my faith in God and His will for my life. From my family being there, to the snowplow opening the road, to the medical staff in Deadwood being cardiac specialists and trained cardiac responders, to the procedure in Rapid City being accomplished so quickly, to the wonderful care at Holy Rosary; still God was in control and allowed me more days here on Earth.”

If you have not had a checkup recently, restarting or establishing care with a primary care provider is key to monitoring your heart and making a plan to improve cardiac health.

To learn more about heart health and Holy Rosary’s cardiac rehabilitation program, click here.

Miles City, MT - When Terry native, Laci Donnelly tore her ACL while playing basketball in high school, she knew that she wanted to someday go into the physical therapy field. From that day forward, she dedicated herself to learning how the body works and what the proper methods are for rehabilitating it.

Rehabilitation therapy can help a wide range of conditions, including simply staying healthy and working to prevent more serious conditions. When you start rehabilitation, you enter a whole new world of learning about your condition and recovery -- and now because of a recent partnership between Holy Rosary Healthcare and the Prairie Community Hospital, Laci is back in her roots providing care to the Terry community that has taught her so much.

Laci spent the greater part of her life living in Terry with her family on their farm and ranch, but moved around several times during her educational journey. After receiving her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Laci is passionate about providing care to familiar faces in Terry during her weekly outreach.

“It’s nice to go back to my hometown and connect with the people that I haven’t seen in so long,” Laci said “It’s wonderful to work with people in the Terry community because I know who they are and they know my family and I.”

Donnelly and Daniel Markin, another Doctor of Physical Therapy from Holy Rosary, each visit the Prairie Community Hospital once a week. They work with residents in the nursing home and with all ages of patients within the Terry community. Although the Prairie Community Hospital does not have their own physical therapy program, they share the same passion that Laci, Daniel, and the rest of Holy Rosary’s team does -- their patients.

“A lot of therapy practitioners may just specialize in one area, but Laci and Daniel have a wide-range of expertise to provide for most patients’ needs,” said Rob Brugger, Director of Holy Rosary’s Therapy Services. “This provides an even greater opportunity for our eastern Montana communities to receive therapy care, without the burden of traveling.”

Holy Rosary’s team offers several types of therapy services, including cardiac rehabilitation, neurological and stroke rehabilitation, pediatric and orthopedic rehabilitation, rehabilitation for residential living, and much more. For people in Terry and Miles City, Laci and her team are available and ready to assist patients.

"It is nice to have a Terry native back in the community providing great care," said Burt Keltner, Chief Executive Officer of the Prairie Community Hospital. "We are very thankful to have this partnership and are glad to offer this service.”

The Holy Rosary Healthcare rehabilitation and therapy services team wants you to live a functional life and be able to control your pain, so they provide support at every step of care so you feel as good as possible when you get back to your normal routine. Now, because of the commitment of Holy Rosary Healthcare and the Prairie Community Hospital, even more patients can get back to their Montana way of life.

To learn more about Holy Rosary’s therapy and rehabilitation services, click here.