Dahl Memorial Seeking Community Input for Future Healthcare Planning
EKALAKA – Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association (DMHA) is officially launching its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) this week. This vital process will help define the facility’s priorities and program development as we work to meet the needs of our local community and Carter County residents.
As part of this effort, randomly selected households throughout the county will receive a survey in the mail. This assessment, conducted in partnership with the Montana Office of Rural Health (MORH), is designed to ensure that local healthcare services directly align with the actual needs of our neighbors.
Your Voice Shapes Our Future
The healthcare landscape is changing and rural facilities face unique challenges. To meet these head-on, DMHA is asking for roughly 15 minutes of your time to provide feedback on local access, service awareness, and community wellness. Once the results are compiled and focus groups have met, the final findings will be published for the community.
"If your household is selected, your feedback will directly influence how we plan our programs, services, and facilities for years to come," noted Darrell Messersmith, CEO of Dahl Memorial.
The data collected will be especially critical as we look to focus on the right opportunities provided by Rural Health Transformation funds. By understanding community concerns, ranging from mental health and senior support to housing availability for providers, DMHA can better fulfill its commitment to meeting healthcare needs right here at home.
Advancing Local Care Through Technology
A major focus of this year's assessment is understanding how technology can help keep care local. We are looking specifically at how telehealth and video visits might allow residents to receive specialty care at Dahl Memorial, avoiding the need for long-distance travel to other cities. Whether it is local telehealth at Dahl or remote monitoring devices, your input will help us decide which technologies best serve our community.
How to Participate
If you receive a survey in the mail, thank you for taking the time to complete it and contribute to the future of Dahl Memorial. Your responses are confidential. Data is collected by Social Data at Montana State University to ensure your privacy.
Residents whose households were selected can participate in two ways:
· By Mail: Complete the enclosed survey and mail it back in the pre-paid envelope.
· Online: Visit montana.edu/socialdata/currentsurveys.html, select "Dahl Memorial Healthcare," and enter the unique access code found on your letter.
For those with questions regarding the survey process, please contact the Montana Office of Rural Health at 406-994-6986.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of healthcare in our region.