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Last updated on October 23, 2007

We will, in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity, reveal God's healing love by improving the health of the individuals and communities we serve, especially those who are poor or vulnerable.

Description:
From its modest beginnings over 100 years ago, St. Vincent Healthcare is now one of Montana's largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in a four-state area. Renowned for our mission of compassionate care and service to the poor, the St. Vincent Healthcare team is continually recognized as a technological leader in the healthcare industry.
As the only nationally recognized Top 100 hospital in the region for outstanding services in Cardiology, Orthopedics and Stroke Care, St. Vincent Healthcare also offers progressive specialty services in Neurology, Obstetrics, Perinatology, Neonatology, Pediatrics and Oncology.

History:
The frontier town of Billings was founded by the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1882. In the beginning, it was little more than a hodgepodge of tents and shanties. Within a few years though, the town became more settled and residents wanted a hospital to provide care for the sick and injured.
They turned to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth who already operated hospitals in Helena and Butte. In 1897, Billings' mayor Dr. Henry Chapple successfully appealed to the Sisters to open a hospital in Billings. As the Sisters made their preliminary visit some sources say there were already five patients waiting in a makeshift hospital!
The Sisters agreed to build and support a hospital if the city would donate a site and $3,000 toward construction costs. Ranchers, business people, railroad hands and townsfolk all helped provide funding and work crews.
The hospital officially opened on February 1, 1899. Records show the county medical reimbursement rate for patients was $1.35 a day. The Sisters themselves placed an advertisement in the local newspaper that read, "Single men and women can, by the payment of $10, obtain a ticket which will enable them to free care and nursing for one year."

Contact people:

Brenda Nagel, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Linda Varela, Director of Volunteer Services, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 406-237-3360

Address:

1233 N. 30th Street Billings, MT 59101 (See a map)

Web Site: http://svh-mt.org

Directions:

St. Vincent Healthcare is located just north of downtown Billings, in what is referred to as the medical corridor. Take the 27th Street exit off the interstate and proceed north on 27th Street to 12th Ave. N. Turn left on 12th Ave N. The hospital will be in sight.   Nearest Bus Stop: The Cross Town bus stops at the hospital

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