Sidney Health Center Reflects on a Year of Growth, Recognition and Community Impact

As 2025 comes to a close, Sidney Health Center is reflecting on a year marked by national recognition, expanded services, and meaningful investments in the future of healthcare for the MonDak region. Throughout the year, the organization remained focused on its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care close to home—ensuring rural patients have access to the services and expertise they need.

National Recognition Highlights Commitment to Quality

Sidney Health Center received several national and state honors in 2025, underscoring its commitment to quality, safety, and patient-centered care.

In February, the hospital was named one of the Top 75 Best Hospitals in the U.S. by Money Magazine. In June, Sidney Health Center received a Quality Award from the Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, RRG for success in preventing hypoglycemia events among hospitalized patients.

The organization earned a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in August and received a Patient Safety Award from the Performance Improvement Network (PIN) in October for improvements in staff responsiveness.

To close the year, Sidney Health Center was named one of America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2026 by Newsweek and Statista for the second consecutive year, received a Patient Experience Award, and was recognized by Forbes on its 2026 Top Hospital list. The Lown Institute also ranked Sidney Health Center #1 in Montana for Social Responsibility, with top state rankings in health equity, clinical outcomes, and cost efficacy.

These recognitions reflect the dedication of Sidney Health Center’s healthcare team and the continued trust of patients and the community.

Expanding Access to Advanced Diagnostic Services

Improving access to advanced care close to home remained a priority throughout the year.

In October, Sidney Health Center introduced advanced 3D Mammography technology, supported in part by funding from the Foundation for Community Care. The new system offers faster scan times, improved accuracy—particularly for women with dense breast tissue—and fewer follow-up exams. The hospital is also able to offer contrast-enhanced mammography, providing a powerful diagnostic option for patients who may not qualify for MRI but require more detailed imaging.

In November, Sidney Health Center announced it had received a $2.3 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to install an in-house Digital PET-CT scanner—the largest philanthropic gift in the organization’s history. This permanent system will replace the mobile unit currently in use and significantly expand access to advanced cancer diagnostics for patients across eastern Montana and western North Dakota, reducing travel and wait times for those who previously needed to seek care in larger cities.

Investing in Facilities and Long-Term Growth

In April 2025, the Foundation for Community Care launched a capital campaign for Sidney Health Center and celebrated the groundbreaking of the Labor & Delivery Unit Renovation. The project aims to create a modern, family-centered birthing environment while improving comfort and care for mothers and newborns. Phase 1 of the project is anticipated to be completed in January 2026.

This effort is part of a broader $14.6 million investment to enhance women’s health, oncology services, specialty clinics, patient spaces, and critical infrastructure. Sidney Health Center is contributing $9.3 million toward this investment, with the remaining funds being raised through the Foundation for Community Care, thanks to generous community support and major grant funding. To date, more than $3.5 million has been raised through generous support from community members and major philanthropic partners, including the Helmsley, Murdock, Otto Bremer, and Dayton foundations.

Construction and renovations at the Professional Building were also completed in 2025, and clinics have officially begun providing services in the updated space. The building now houses Pediatrics and Outreach Specialty Clinics, along with education and administrative offices—expanding access to care while supporting continued organizational growth.

Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce

Addressing workforce needs was another key focus in 2025. Sidney Health Center partnered with Williston State College to launch a Nursing Career Pathway Program, an 11-month Practical Nursing program designed to grow the local nursing workforce. Students receive classroom education, hands-on training, and clinical mentorship at Sidney Health Center, creating a direct pathway to licensure and employment. Plans are underway to expand the program in collaboration with Sidney High School.

Welcoming New Providers

Sidney Health Center’s medical team now includes 51 providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, supported by certified nurse anesthetists, technologists, therapists, and nurses. Together, they offer a wide range of specialized services rarely found in rural communities.

New additions in 2025 included Kaci Dean, FNP, who joined the ENT care team, and Jessica Sweetser, FNP, who transitioned from a locum role to a permanent member of the Cancer Care medical staff after serving the organization for one year. 

Dr. Byron Wright joined the surgical team as a Board-Certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist with more than 20 years of experience. His expertise includes general and acute care surgery, as well as breast and melanoma surgical oncology, enhancing access to complex surgical and cancer-related care locally.

Radiology services were also expanded with the addition of Dr. Sridhar Naidu and Dr. Kipp Van Camp, who provide Interventional Radiology services, further advancing diagnostic and minimally invasive treatment options close to home.
The ENT care team welcomed Dr. Sanjay Prasad and Dr. Daniel Barker, experienced providers with extensive knowledge who joined Dr. Bennion’s practice to deliver clinical care, perform surgeries, and support on-call coverage.

Dr. Maria Marchenko joined the Pediatric care team as a Board-Certified Pediatrician, providing preventive care, routine wellness visits, and treatment for acute and chronic childhood conditions for families throughout the region.

Looking Ahead

As Sidney Health Center moves into the new year, its focus remains on advancing healthcare access, quality, and innovation for the communities it serves. With continued support from patients, staff, donors, and community partners, the organization is well positioned to build on this momentum and continue delivering exceptional care close to home.