In last week’s presidential election, 2,988 of the 3,751 registered voters in Chouteau County cast their votes. That’s 80% of the registered voters in the county! The Big Sandy Medical Center Board of Directors would love to see an 80% voter response rate at this year’s annual meeting too! BSMC is a community owned hospital, so the community gets a say in who is on the Board. You have an opportunity to again, cast your vote, and let your voice be heard. To be allowed to vote, one must be a resident of Montana and a tax payer of the Chouteau County Hospital District #2. You may either vote in person at the meeting, or an absentee ballot will be available at the Big Sandy Medical Center Business office by November 25, 2024.
The current Board of Directors includes, Bob Nelson, Anna Bold, Ann Quinn, Amber Terry, and Dr. Karen Baumann. Bob Nelson and Amber Terry have seats up for re-election this year. These will be three-year terms. Both have expressed interest in running again, however nominations remain open until the next Board Meeting on November 21, 2024. If you are interested in being on the Board of Directors for your local hospital, please reach out to someone on the nominating committee: Ann Quinn, Jim Ray, or Danielle Weaver. Those names will be voted onto the ballot at this month’s regular board meeting (November 21) and then elections will be held at the Annual Meeting on December 19, 2024.
Why does your vote mean so much for this community? The Board of Directors guides the operations of the facility. Staying independently owned has been a priority of the Medical Center in the past and it is becoming more and more of a rarity in the Healthcare industry. Logan Health now owns/partners with facilities in 18 locations across Montana. Benefis has several locations in Great Falls, but also Helena, Choteau and Fort Benton too. Other healthcare systems like Sanford, Avera, and Banner Health hospitals continue to grow their reach as well. As we see in the farming industry, it is getting harder and harder for the ‘little guy’ to stay in business. The leadership of our Board of Directors has has always been what keeps the doors of our facility open and has thus far kept the facility locally operated and community centered.
Not only are we voting for Board Members at the Annual Meeting, but there will also be a meal served, a Year in Review Presentation, you’ll get to see recently remodeled dining room, and more! Be sure to mark your calendar to continue to make your voice heard (December 19, 2024) and get with the nominating committee if you’d like to have a more hands-on approach to the happenings of the Big Sandy Medical Center for the next three years.
