On January 1, 2026, Partnership Health Center officially separated from Missoula County to become a fully independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and retained its status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
“This is an exciting time for Partnership Health Center,” said Lara Salazar, Chief Executive Officer at Partnership Health Center. “Over the past 35 years, we’ve grown into a vibrant clinic serving 18,000 patients annually, providing a comprehensive range of health services. This transition will help us be more responsive to the healthcare needs of our patients.”
In May 2025, Missoula County and Partnership Health Center announced a mutual agreement to formally separate. Partnership Health Center was initially established as a pilot project in 1989, with support from physicians, hospitals, and the Missoula City-County Health Department, who recognized a critical need for affordable care for uninsured residents.
It became Partnership Health Center in 1992 after being designated an FQHC. The structure of starting within a county government and transitioning to an independent organization is common among FQHCs across the U.S. This change aligns with national best practices, as many community health centers evolved into fully independent organizations, including in Cascade and Flathead counties.
“We are incredibly grateful to Missoula County for their support for more than three decades, and especially as we’ve transitioned over the past few months,” said Salazar. “This change allows us to tailor decisions to healthcare needs and provide flexibility in hiring specialized healthcare staff.”
As of December 31, staff were no longer county employees, and on January 1, they officially became employees of the independent Partnership Health Center. No one lost their job or was laid off as a result of the transition. Most patients will experience minimal to no changes and may still schedule an appointment or connect with their Care Team by using MyChart or calling (406) 258-4789. Partnership Health Center will continue to provide everyone with access to quality, integrated healthcare, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
“Partnership Health Center plays an essential role in Missoula’s healthcare ecosystem, and as an independent organization, they can better achieve their mission,” said County Commissioner Juanita Vero. “We know there will be continued opportunities to work together to ensure that everyone in Missoula County has affordable access to healthcare.”
