The Bullhook Health Center originated in
September of 2005, as a section of the Hill County Health
Department, funded by a Federal Healthy Communities Access
Planning (HCAP) Grant. This grant allowed the Health
Department’s Bullhook Clinic to offer medical and care
management services to the community with a sliding fee
scale. In addition, the clinic was able to offer medical,
dental, vision, mental health, and travel vouchers and
education to Hill County residents.The Bullhook Clinic
was founded by an active consortium. The consortium members
included health and social service providers, faith based
representatives, educational consultants, and members of the
Hutterite community. Governance was transferred to a
consumer representative board at the time the clinic was
established. The consortium is still actively involved in
the administration of Hill County’s health care future.
In January of 2006 the Bullhook Clinic received
notification that the HCAP grant funding, for their second
year of operation, would be cut from the Federal Budget. The
budget cut forced the Bullhook Clinic to reorganize
internally - reducing the number of non-medical staff. The
Federal Budget changes required the Bullhook Clinic to cut
six staff members and the outreach program, reduce wages,
and increase job duties in order to keep providing services.
The clinical section and care management section were able
to keep operating.
Even in the face of adversity, the Bullhook Clinic staff
and Board of Directors were determined to continue providing
quality low cost health care services to the residents of
Hill County, Montana. In December of 2006 the Bullhook
Clinic staff applied for a Federal New Access Community
Health Center Grant as a free-standing clinic.
In July of 2007, the Bullhook Clinic became the Bullhook
Community Health Center when a Federal Community Health
Center Grant, authorized under section 330 of the Public
Health Service Act, was awarded. The Community Health Center
grant came at just the right time because of the previous
funding cuts the clinic was almost to the point of having to
turn people away and help them find other health-care
providers. The grant award helped solidify the clinic’s
position.
The New Access Community Health Center Grant award
allowed the organization to become a free-standing,
non-profit entity, under the governance of a patient
majority board of directors. At its’ new location, the
Bullhook Community Health Center has expanded its’ services
to the community with the addition of a Family Physician and
Family Nurse Practitioner. Primary Care, health and wellness
exams for infants through seniors, sports physicals, and
assistance with management of chronic illnesses like
diabetes and high blood pressure are offered at the clinic.
Beyond medical care, the clinic’s care managers help
patients develop life-long self-care plans. Care managers
also help patients navigate the care system of medical and
social services based on each patient’s needs. As a result
of the care managers’ work, patients can prevent illness or
progression of illness and avoid the physical, emotional,
and financial hardships linked to illness.
