Missoula, MT—November 17, 2025—Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula as part of Providence—one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health systems—and the University of Montana, a leading public research university, have united to launch RESOLVE — a pioneering rural health collaborative. This first-of-its-kind initiative integrates clinical expertise, research infrastructure and community engagement to deliver research-driven strategies and tailored care models aimed at improving access and outcomes in rural and Indigenous health care.
Reimagining how health systems and academic institutions work together; RESOLVE engages rural providers and patient voices to co-create solutions that address the unique challenges they face. Unlike traditional models that adapt urban-centered solutions to rural settings, this collaboration builds from the ground up through joint governance, shared data systems and a unified operating model that translates research into care delivery tailored for rural communities.
“Providence is unwavering in our pursuit of improving the health and well-being of all, no matter where they live, and this collaboration with the University of Montana is a natural extension of our Mission to serve our communities with compassion,” said Bill Wright, PhD, Chief Research Officer at Providence. “Together, we are translating cutting-edge clinical ideas into real-world care solutions that will drive better health outcomes for generations to come.”
“RESOLVE is not just a research initiative, it’s a new model for rural health innovation,” said Matt Fete, PhD, Dean of the College of Health at the University of Montana. “We’re embedding community-engaged research into the fabric of rural care, ensuring that the people who know their communities best are leading the way. Partnering with Providence allows us to scale these ideas into meaningful change across the region.”
RESOLVE is seeking $2.6 million in philanthropic support to build its foundation and launch research that addresses urgent rural health needs. Early projects co-led by Providence clinicians and UM researchers include studies on cardiovascular outcomes and air quality, cancer rehabilitation and emergency response to extreme weather events.
“Coming back to Montana was about making a meaningful impact in the place I call home,” said Daniel Spoon, M.D., Providence Montana Chief Medical Officer and Director of Cardiovascular Research. “RESOLVE is the culmination of that vision — an engine to connect clinical practice with research in a way that’s immediate, locally driven and deeply relevant. No large academic medical center is going to come save rural health care — it’s up to us. With two committed partners, we can build something innovative and organic, at a time when rural communities need it most.”
“RESOLVE is the architecture for a tremendous expansion of the exciting clinical research at UM that supports Montana’s rural communities. Collaborating with the vast Providence network of providers will create innovative teams of practitioners and researchers with access to a wealth of data, instrumentation and populations. The outcome of the effort of these teams will provide rural communities with access to cutting edge healthcare,” said Scott Whittenburg, UM Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship.
By 2026, RESOLVE aims to be self-sustaining through industry and government funding, providing a blueprint for transforming rural health care from within. Providence and the University of Montana invite rural caregivers, researchers and philanthropic partners to join the collective resolve that’s reshaping how health disparities are addressed.
For more information:
https://innovation.providence.org/resolve
If interested in becoming part of our community of support:
Stephanie Goble, Providence Montana Health Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer, stephanie.goble@providence.org, (406) 830-8650
About the University of Montana
The University of Montana is the Treasure State’s premier public research university. With over 11,000 current students, 500 degree pathways, and 100,000 living alums, UM’s impact can be felt across the world. Known for advancing “inclusive prosperity,” UM’s unique student body, where one-third of students are the first in their family to attend college, reflects the hard-working people of Montana. Designated a Research 1 University by the Carnegie Foundation, UM’s research enterprise is amongst the fastest growing in the nation, ranking in the top 4% of research universities in the world. With an institutional goal to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare, UM’s College of Health launched numerous new degree programs this decade to meet the growing demand for care in rural communities. Outside of the classroom Grizzlies are making a difference too, as UM ranks as the number one university in the nation for community and national service.
About Providence
Providence is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 51 hospitals, more than 1,000 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 123,000 caregivers serving communities across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. Learn more at Providence.
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