Find the Perfect Blend of Health and Wellness in Great Falls, MT
In this Montana gem, you'll find excellent hospitals, a great farmers market, and plenty of places to stay active and fit.
Residents and businesses can take advantage of a robust menu of services and resources to enhance their health and wellness in Great Falls. From an award-winning health care system and wellness providers to access to healthy foods and recreational opportunities, Great Falls helps individuals be their healthiest selves.
Comprehensive Health Care in Great Falls
“Being sick can hinder a person’s ability to pursue their passions, maintain their livelihood and reach their goals. At the Great Falls Hospital, we strive to provide excellent care and get our patients back to good health after an injury or sickness,” says Sophia Mindt, marketing specialist for Great Falls Hospital, a 60,000-square-foot facility that houses 19 inpatient beds and 10 intensive care beds. “Having comprehensive health care services close to home adds convenience to patients living nearby, because they do not need to worry about boarding and traveling long distances to receive treatment.”
Mindt says travel can be the determining factor of whether treatment is feasible for some patients, which is why the hospital offers a free, patient housing facility, the Harold & Carmen Poulsen Legacy Housing.
“While Great Falls Hospital offers a multitude of services, we promote the importance of teamwork with our physicians and employees to deliver compassionate, personalized care to all,” she says.
Services Go Above and Beyond
Benefis Health System is another major health care provider in the region, with innovative technology, a Tier II emergency department and more than 500 beds across two campuses.
“We are a nonprofit, locally controlled health care system that meets our region’s health needs at every stage of life,” says Greg Tierney, executive vice president and system chief medical officer at Benefis. “We’re with you as you’re born, help you grow up, fix your knees as you age and other bumps along the way. We have an award-winning senior services program for all levels of need, including support at home, and families in our hospice program describe our nurses as ‘angels’ for their kindness and skill.”
Tierney is proud of the Benefis provider team numbering 358 and representing more than 40 specialties, offering services close to home for patients.
Among the health system’s many services is a medical transport system called Mercy Flight, which includes a medical jet and air ambulance.
“We have one of the busiest air ambulances in the state because of the huge coverage area we have in Montana – a vast, 42,000-square-mile region,” Tierney says. “Mercy Flight makes a vital difference for our rural population, for travelers and for patients who must quickly get to the highest level of care.”
Benefis recently opened the Women’s and Children’s Center, enhancing the focus on preventive care. The center adds convenience for busy families, with children’s therapies, pediatricians, women’s health, mammography and a lab – all in one place. Serving 13,000 children from across Montana every year, Benefis practices health care with intentionality.
Fresh Food and Fitness Fun
In addition to traditional health care options, families in Great Falls can stay on top of their health through access to fresh produce at the Great Falls Farmers’ Market, held downtown every Saturday, June through September. The market – the largest in Montana – features more than 100 vendors.
A diverse parks and recreation landscape makes it easy for residents to have fun while staying fit. The region’s green spaces offer amenities such as a BMX track, aquatic center, sports fields and miles of trails.
“More time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress,” says Steve Herrig, director of park and recreation for the City of Great Falls. “Parks have the power to strengthen communities, transform lives and protect the future. Parks are one of the most important aspects of every community.”
Herrig says the addition of a new $20 million recreation center will allow the city to offer year-round programming for all ages.
“We will also be able to expand our programming efforts with additional staff and more programmable spaces,” he says. “Our fitness offerings will expand from just the classroom to aquatic fitness. We are very excited to offer our community a new way to look at health and wellness.”
Get to Know Great Falls
Want to learn more about living and working in Great Falls, MT? Check out the latest edition of Livability Great Falls, Montana.