When you live in Montana, you get used to the distance. Wide open spaces? Yeah, those are kind of our thing. But there are some things that shouldn’t require a mini-road trip just to access. Recently, the Community Medical Center PICU has announced a transition that will affect the health of kids all over the community. As a Missoula family photographer, I work a lot with children of all backgrounds and needs, and I’ve seen the good this practice has done firsthand. If you want to find out how you can protect Missoula kids, I’m here to tell you what’s happening as well as what you (yes, you!) can do about it!
About the Community Medical Center PICU
2827 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, Montana 59804
The Community Medical Center PICU is a place you hope you never have to use, but you want to have around just in case. Since this center opened its doors, they have provided exceptional, specialized care for people of all ages from infancy through young adulthood. They are operated by a team of highly experienced pediatric providers who know how to address complex situations, help you find solutions, and ensure you have a friend throughout the entire process. This center has handled it all, from traumatic injuries to birth defects, infections to immunological disorders. They are nestled right next to a Ronald McDonald House to ensure families have a cozy space to stay while their children receive life-saving treatment.
What Is Happening?
In recent years, Community Medical Center PICU has announced that they’ve seen a decrease in its patients. While this is undoubtedly a wonderful thing, the center has said that it has made it hard to maintain the full staffing they need to keep it up and running. As a result, they have announced a drastic plan to reduce the center to a 24/7 telehealth service. If your child requires hands-on service, they will be relocated to a hospital outside of Missoula. The switch is scheduled to happen on October 1, 2026, though officials have not actually confirmed this timeline.
Why It Matters?
Right away, both families and providers saw the issue with this brand-new plan. A group of 45 medical professionals signed a letter protesting the change, citing the fact that they would no longer be able to provide hands-on assessments during very real emergencies and that this would drastically impact patient care. The other issue is that this will create a huge burden on families needing help. We’ve already faced a similar closure in the community last year, and with this change, the nearest assistance will now be hours away. Additionally, Community Medical Center has not disclosed what this transfer process will look like. If your child faces a life-altering emergency, you will have fewer treatment options, higher costs, and hours of traveling.
Next Steps
This is a scary thing to face, but before we spiral too much, it’s time to look at how we can be a solution. Right now, the biggest thing you can do is sign this petition. We need as many people speaking against this closure so we can keep this vital care inside our community. Once you’ve signed your name, be sure to send it to everyone you know. It’s time to get loud so we can be sure our children have access to the assistance they deserve!
Even You Can Help Community Medical Center PICU Get Back To Normal
Our community thrives when we all work together. As a Missoula family photographer, I have seen firsthand how this center changes lives in the best ways. So I hope you join me in making our voices heard about Community Medical Center PICU. Hopefully, we can protect the vulnerable and keep them feeling their very best!
