In Brief
Cabinet Peaks recognized for quality
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center was recently awarded the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network’s Quality Improvement Award.
The Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network (PIN) is a voluntary membership of 48 critical access hospitals throughout the state. Through this Network, member hospitals are able to benchmark their performance with their peers on a variety of financial, utilization, and direct patient care measures that encourage safe, effective, patient-centered care delivery in even the most remote communities of the state. PIN quality of care measures are based on national benchmarks, but are tailored to reflect the realities of the state’s rural populations.
Throughout 2014 and 2015, PIN members worked in two focus areas to improve the quality of care provided to the members of the communities - meeting federal EMTALA requirements for transfer documentation and improving patient safety in hospital medication use. Applicants for awards in 2015 were required to demonstrate measurable improvement in two or more measures within the previously mentioned quality of care focus areas over the previous 12 months, as well as participate consistently in the PIN’s benchmarking program. Applicants were also required to demonstrate an active and leading role in supporting PIN quality improvement efforts by participating in PIN events and sharing with peers.
Kootenai River habitat restoration project progressing
The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho has begun construction of the Bonners Ferry Islands habitat restoration project. The project will take two years to complete with construction taking place from August through November in both 2015 and 2016. The project is located in the Kootenai River within Bonners Ferry, in front of the Kootenai River Inn, upstream from the Highway 95 Bridge. The purpose of the project is to restore and enhance in-river, floodplain, and riparian habitat, as part of a multi-pronged approach to restoring self-sustaining populations of endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon, as well as burbot and other native Kootenai River fish.
The 2015 project actions include excavation of two deep pools in the river to deepen the river channel through this shallow reach, construction of two vegetated islands on top of existing gravel bars using fill from the pool excavation, bank re-grading along portions of the north river bank, construction of woody structures designed to protect the bank and establish habitat, and revegetation with native plants.
Hall walking begins Nov. 2
The Libby middle school hall walkers will start their afternoon walks Nov. 2. The school will be open from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on school holidays.
Central kitchen open house Oct. 26
Libby School District will celebrating the opening of the central kitchen at the Asa Wood facility from 6 p.m. unti 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. This is an opportunity for members of the public to meet the staff, board members and community organizations involved with the schools. For more information call the superintendent’s office at 293-8811.
Libby School District board vacancy
The board of trustees for Libby public schools will be filling a board vacancy until the May 2016 election. Any interested parties can submit a letter of interest and a resume addressed to the board of trustees, 724 Louisiana Ave. Call 293-8811.
MWA launches new blog
Montana Wilderness Association introduces Wild Word, a blog providing insight, analysis, and commentary on the issues and events affecting Montana’s most important assets – its public lands and wild places.
Contributors to Wild Word include MWA’s staff across the state – in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, Choteau, Missoula, Whitefish, and Libby. All are uniquely positioned to write about the public lands that surround their communities, special places they know intimately from having spent countless hours on the ground and in conversation with neighbors who have a stake in how the lands are managed.
Fisher River fire meeting Nov. 6
The Fisher River Fire Service Area meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Nov. 6 at the Fisher River fire hall. To add items to the agenda or for any questions call George Neils at 293-3482.
Gas prices fall in Montana
Average retail gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 3.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.40 per gallon yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 615 gas outlets in Montana. This compares with the national average that has fallen 5.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.26 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.
Including the change in gas prices in Montana during the past week, prices yesterday were 88.6 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 15.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 3.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 84.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.