Community Health & Education Partnership

Investing in Community Health, Education & Growth

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and Glasgow Public Schools are proud to partner on an exciting initiative that supports student wellness, expands healthcare education opportunities, and strengthens our community for generations to come.

The partnership centers around three shared goals:

Supporting the future development of a new multi-sport athletic complex for Glasgow Public Schools.
Creating educational opportunities that introduce students to careers in healthcare through expanded health education and career exploration.
Enhancing community health by investing in programs and partnerships that support long-term wellness.

While this initiative is still in development, both organizations are committed to working together to build a partnership that benefits students, families, and our entire region.

Partnership Timeline

The collaboration will move forward in three phases.

Step 1: Memorandum of Understanding
The first milestone has been completed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU establishes a shared commitment between FMDH and Glasgow Public Schools to work together and begin developing the framework for the partnership. It serves as the foundation for future planning.

Step 2: Financial Agreement
The second milestone has been completed with the signing of a Financing Agreement between FMDH and Glasgow Public Schools. The agreement formalizes FMDH's commitment to support the development of the new multi-sport athletic complex, a project estimated at approximately $3.15 million. Under the agreement, FMDH may provide financial support of up to approximately $2.1 million to help close the remaining funding gap after grants, fundraising efforts, and other identified funding sources are applied.

Step 3: Education Agreement
The final step is creating an Education Agreement that defines the health education programs and healthcare career opportunities available to students attending Glasgow Public School.

Why This Partnership Matters

Supporting student well-being helps set the foundation for success. By combining athletics, health education, and career exploration, this partnership aims to:

Encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
Introduce students to rewarding careers in healthcare.
Strengthen the future healthcare workforce in Northeast Montana.
Create new opportunities that benefit students today and our community tomorrow.

A Shared Vision

"This partnership represents an investment not only in facilities, but in the future of our community. By working alongside Glasgow Public Schools, we're creating opportunities that encourage healthier living today while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. We're excited to continue working through the next phases of this partnership and build something that will benefit students, families and community members for years to come."

— Nick Dirkes, CEO, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital

"We are excited about a partnership that breathes new life into Scottie Field, reestablishing it as the premier athletic complex in Northeast Montana. It promotes expanded sports tourism, enhances community-wide physical and mental wellness, and strengthens the pride our students and community share. This builds upon a long-standing relationship between our two organizations. One that allows us the ability to further invest in the future of Glasgow and the surrounding region. Together, we look forward to expanding science and healthcare education opportunities through innovative programs and meaningful work-based learning experiences that will prepare students for rewarding careers while supporting the future workforce needs of our local hospital."

— Brenner Flaten, Superintendent, Glasgow Public Schools

"Lasting communities are built through strong partnerships. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to investing in our youth, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting projects that improve the quality of life across our region. We're proud to take this important first step together."

— Pat Menge, President, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Board of Trustees

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the project finalized?
No. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is the first step in the process. Additional financial and educational agreements will be developed before the partnership is finalized.

Will there be updates?
Yes. This page will be updated as new agreements are completed and additional information becomes available.

What is the purpose of the educational partnership?
The educational component is designed to expand health education and provide students with opportunities to explore careers in healthcare through future programming developed jointly by FMDH and Glasgow Public Schools.

Stay Connected

As the partnership progresses, we'll continue sharing updates with our community.
Check back here for the latest news and milestones.