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
critical 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.