Billings Clinic Foundation Receives Blue Impact Grant to Support Emergency Department Expansion and Behavioral Health Care

Billings, MT - The Billings Clinic Foundation has been selected as a recipient of a 2026–27 Blue Impact℠ Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT). The grant will support the expansion of the Billings Clinic Emergency Department, helping create additional capacity and more supportive spaces for patients, including those experiencing behavioral health emergencies.

As Montana’s busiest Emergency Department, Billings Clinic cares for more than 50,000 patients each year, including many who arrive during moments of crisis. The expanded Emergency Department will help enhance the care environment for all patients while providing safer, more private areas designed to support individuals experiencing mental health emergencies and other behavioral health needs.

“Our Emergency Department serves as an essential access point for medical and trauma emergencies as well as individuals experiencing mental health crises,” said Brad VonBergen, Billings Clinic Director of Emergency Services. “Our patients count on us during some of their most difficult times. This generous investment helps us grow with the expanding needs of our state, creates a safer, more healing environment and supports our caregivers in delivering specialized care, reinforcing our commitment to meeting the growing mental health needs of our community.”

The Emergency Department expansion is part of Billings Clinic’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality care for communities across Montana, northern Wyoming and western North Dakota. The project will increase capacity, improve patient flow and enhance the overall experience for patients, families and care teams.

“Montanans deserve access to the resources and support that make our communities stronger and healthier,” said Lisa Kelley, BCBSMT president. “By partnering with these outstanding organizations, we are investing in programs that drive lasting change and open doors to a brighter, healthier future for all.”

The Blue Impact Grant program supports organizations working to address critical health needs across Montana, including behavioral health, access to care, nutrition and other community health priorities. Through this partnership, BCBSMT and Billings Clinic Foundation are working together to strengthen resources available to individuals and families throughout the region.

“We are incredibly grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana for recognizing the importance of this work and investing in the future of care for our community,” said Nichole Mehling, president of the Billings Clinic Foundation. “This support helps us continue creating an Emergency Department environment that better serves all patients — including those experiencing behavioral health crises who need a safe, supportive place to receive care. Ultimately, this partnership is about being there for people and families when they need us most.”

About Billings Clinic

Billings Clinic and Logan Health are united as a not-for-profit, Montana-based, independent health care system focused on keeping people close to home and connecting care in communities throughout the region. The unified health system serves an area that includes most of Montana, northern Wyoming and the western Dakotas. A not-for-profit organization led by a physician CEO, Billings Clinic is governed by a board of community members, nurses and physicians. At its core, Billings Clinic is a physician-led, integrated multispecialty group practice with a 336-bed hospital and Montana’s first Level I Trauma Center. Billings Clinic is the largest trauma center and the first established and longest standing ACS-COT continually accredited trauma center in the state of Montana. Billings Clinic has more than 4,500 employees, including nearly 600 physicians and advanced practitioners offering more than 80 specialties. Billings Clinic is the first Magnet-designated health care organization in Montana and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. More information can be found at www.billingsclinic.com.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSMT is the largest and longest-standing statewide, customer-owned health insurer and full-service health benefits administrator in Montana. BCBSMT has provided high-quality health insurance plans and administrative services to Montanans for more than 85 years and is committed to ensuring its members — no matter where they are on the health spectrum — achieve maximum health.