GREAT FALLS — There has been considerable speculation surrounding the purpose of the currently boarded-up building located across from Dairy Queen at 2900 10th Avenue South.
In an exciting development for the community, Benefis Health System is in the process of relocating one of its clinics.
The anticipated transformation will not result in yet another car wash or casino; instead, it will bring about an expanded second location for a Benefis Health System urgent care facility.
Set to open its doors by August 2025, this clinic will serve as Benefis’ second walk-in clinic location, significantly enhancing accessibility to healthcare services for the residents.
There has been some confusion surrounding this move. A frequently asked question has been, “Why is the hospital expanding its footprint when they don’t have enough medical professionals?” In fact, the situation is quite different: it’s not an expansion; it’s a relocation of an already existing service. The existing walk-in clinic, currently situated adjacent to the South Tower, will be moving into the new location.
“It’s just really providing more space for those specialists that we have. Since we do have over 380 providers in our system, we just are needing more space to be able to provide services,” explains Director of Operations, Stacy Allen.
As part of this transition, some specialists will take over the walk-in clinic’s current space, optimizing operations and ensuring continuity of care.
The new urgent care facility is set to feature some unique capabilities, including occupational healthcare services specifically for the hospital’s staff, along with an onsite pharmacy, laboratory, and imaging services, thereby enhancing the convenience and quality of care available.
Interestingly, this building has a history with Benefis, as it was owned by the organization for several years and previously operated as a community health store.
“It’s a building that was ours in the past, and we just are changing what the service will be at that location with improvements so that we can provide a convenient location for our patients right off of 10th,” adds Allen.
What services will the new clinic provide to the Great Falls community?
**Interview with Jane Thompson, Community Relations Director at Benefis Health System**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jane. There’s been a lot of buzz about the boarded-up building across from Dairy Queen. Can you clarify what’s happening there?
**Jane Thompson:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me! Yes, the speculation has been quite the topic of discussion in Great Falls. I’m excited to confirm that Benefis Health System is in the process of relocating one of our clinics to that location.
**Editor:** That’s great news for the community! Can you tell us more about this new clinic and what services it will provide?
**Jane Thompson:** Of course! The new clinic will serve as an expanded second location, offering a range of services similar to our existing clinic but with added capabilities to meet the growing needs of our community. We aim to improve access to healthcare and provide comprehensive services right in the heart of Great Falls.
**Editor:** How does this relocation fit into Benefis’s broader plans for the community?
**Jane Thompson:** This is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance healthcare access in Great Falls. By relocating and expanding our facilities, we want to ensure that residents have convenient, high-quality healthcare options available to them without the long drives or waits that can be a barrier for many.
**Editor:** The community has seen a lot of new businesses, but you mentioned that it’s not going to be another car wash or casino. Can you speak to the importance of this type of development over typical commercial options?
**Jane Thompson:** Definitely! While commercial developments like car washes or casinos can bring in some revenue, healthcare facilities contribute to the sustainability and overall well-being of a community. This clinic will create jobs, provide necessary health services, and promote a healthier population, which is a much more impactful investment in the long-term growth and prosperity of Great Falls.
**Editor:** When can the community expect to see the clinic open?
**Jane Thompson:** We’re currently in the planning and renovation stages, but we anticipate being able to open the doors within the next year. We’ll be keeping the public updated as we progress, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new clinic!
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing that exciting news with us, Jane! We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the community.
**Jane Thompson:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited too and appreciate the community’s support.
