Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal members, their descendants and members of other tribes again have access to comprehensive health care services in Ronan after a new clinic received funding through the NMTC. The new $10.3 million CSKT Health Center replaced a clinic that was condemned and demolished to make way for the expansion of U.S. Highway 93. When the original clinic was demolished for highway construction in 2021, it was replaced by a smaller, temporary clinic that provided limited primary care only to tribal elders. All other tribal members had to travel to Polson and St. Ignatius for health services. Accessing health care was further complicated by a lack of public transportation and limited capacity at the two clinics.

Financing for the new CSKT Health Center came together through partnerships between CSKT, U.S. Bank and community development lender, MoFi. The project highlights the power of the NMTC program to help finance community facilities in places where they are needed most. Construction was completed in 2023.

The new 12,000-square-foot CSKT Health Center will provide full-service primary care, urgent care, a dedicated area for infectious patients, an infusion center, behavioral health services, a pharmacy, physical therapy services and a community fitness center. Each year, the Tribal Health Department expects to provide primary care and behavioral health services to 3,000 patients, fill 35,000 prescriptions, help 450 patients with physical therapy and serve 600 community members in the fitness center.

CSKT Tribal Health estimates up to 70% of its patients are low-income individuals and families. Ronan is home to the largest number of tribal members on the Flathead Reservation and houses the greatest number of CSKT businesses and employees, making it a convenient location for the new clinic.

Additionally, the new CSKT Health Center is expected to create 17 full-time, good-paying jobs, many of which will be available to low-income people.