Dillon, Montana – September 30, 2024 – Barrett Hospital & HealthCare proudly
announces the launch of its cancer infusion services, significantly enhancing rural healthcare access for cancer patients within Dillon, Beaverhead County, and surrounding rural areas. This innovative approach to delivery of cancer services ensures that rural patients no longer need to endure extensive travel to larger cities to receive critical cancer treatments away from their homes and their support systems.
Originally envisioned as a collaborative project in 2022, with Montana State University, Bozeman Health, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), has now culminated as a trailblazing model for rural cancer care that can be replicated throughout rural communities nationwide. This framework will bring c
ritical cancer treatments to people in rural areas instead of residents traveling long distances to urban places of care.
“Increasing access to oncology care is our steadfast commitment at Bozeman Health Cancer Center, and we recognize this innovative and transformational partnership as another example of how we are carrying out this mission,” said Bozeman Health oncologist and ASCO pilot program medical director Dr. William Conkright.
“With the introduction of our cancer infusion services, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is addressing a crucial gap in necessary healthcare accessibility for our rural community,” said Carolyn Hansen, Chief Clinical Officer at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. “We are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care in Dillon that is equivalent to the care anyone would receive at a larger cancer center in Bozeman, Billings, or out of
state. Our new cancer care services will allow patients to receive critical therapies close to home, surrounded by the support of their local community and loved ones, which contributes to better health outcomes.”
Cancer care accessibility has long been a challenge in rural Montana. According to ASCO, rural regions across the nation, including Montana, face significant disparities in cancer care access. Limited local services often mean that rural patients are forced to travel long distances to urban centers, adding to the physical and emotional burdens of cancer treatment.
“Traveling to larger cities for cancer treatment is not only exhausting but can also be a financial burden for many families,” said Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. “By bringing these treatments to Dillon and surrounding communities, we are removing barriers to essential care and supporting our community in a profound way. This initiative reflects our mission to improve lives by providing local healthcare.”
Barrett Hospital & HealthCare emphasizes patient-centered care, ensuring that each patient's unique needs and preferences guide their cancer treatment journey. The organization is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a team of highly trained oncology specialists and nurses dedicated to delivering personalized care.
Patients will have access to a broad spectrum of infusion therapies, including
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other targeted treatments, all within the comfort and convenience of a local setting. In addition to infusion therapies, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare also offers a highly experienced multidisciplinary treatment team with supportive services, including nutritional counseling, support groups, a dedicated pharmacist, surgical oncology, and other complementary services to support individuals and their families during their cancer journey.
For more information about the cancer infusion services at Barrett Hospital &
HealthCare, please visit www.barretthospital.org or contact our oncology department at 406-683-1109.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Increasing Access to Cancer Care in Rural Montana pilot program is made possible by funding from Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, which received a generous grant from the Merck Foundation’s Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care to support this pilot.
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