Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and Glasgow Public Schools Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Community Health and Education

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital (FMDH) and Glasgow Public Schools have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the first step in a collaborative effort to strengthen student health, expand healthcare career education, and support the future development of a new multisport athletic complex for the school district.

The MOU establishes a shared commitment between FMDH and Glasgow Public Schools to work together toward three primary goals: developing agreements to help finance the construction of a new multisport athletic complex, creating educational programs that provide students with expanded health education and opportunities to explore careers in healthcare, and enhancing community health by investing in programs and partnerships that support long-term wellness.

While the MOU outlines the parties' intent to collaborate, it represents the beginning of a multi-step process. The first phase of signing the MOU is complete. The next phase is development and execution of a Financial Agreement outlining the terms of FMDH's participation in supporting the sports complex. The final phase is the development and execution of an Education Agreement establishing the health education and healthcare career programs that will benefit Glasgow students.

The educational component of the partnership is a key element of the collaboration, with both organizations committed to preparing students for future opportunities in healthcare while promoting healthier lifestyles throughout the community.

"This partnership represents an investment not only in facilities, but in the future of our community," said Nick Dirkes, CEO of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital. "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."

Pat Menge, President of the FMDH Board of Directors, added, "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."

Brenner Flaten, Superintendent of Glasgow Public Schools, said, "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 and allows us 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."

As discussions continue, both organizations will work collaboratively to finalize the financial and educational agreements that will bring the vision outlined in the MOU to life.

For more information and updates about this project, please visit fmdh.org/partnership.