Representatives from Valley Bank presenting St. Peter's Health Foundation, St. Peter's Health Ambulance, and Emergency Department pose with a giant check commemorating the $250k donation.
February 18, 2026
St. Peter’s Health Foundation has received a $250,000 leadership gift from Valley Bank to help purchase a new ambulance for St. Peter’s Health Ambulance Services. The investment strengthens emergency response capabilities across a broad rural region in southwest Montana.
The contribution supports St. Peter’s ongoing effort to replace two aging ambulances and acquire additional emergency equipment essential to serving as the region’s primary 911 emergency medical response provider.
“At Valley Bank, we believe strong communities depend on access to reliable emergency care,” said Mark Anderson, president of Valley Bank. “This gift represents more than a vehicle—it represents hope, readiness and respect for the lives of the people who keep this community safe. We’re proud to partner with St. Peter’s Health to help ensure high-quality emergency services are available when every second counts.”
St. Peter’s Health Ambulance Services responds to more than 7,300 emergency calls annually and covers more than 1.3 million miles each year. Crews serve residents across Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, Meagher and Powell counties. In addition to 911 calls, ambulance teams provide on-site medical coverage at more than 120 community events each year at no cost.
“In a rural area as large and diverse as ours, dependable ambulance services save lives every day,” said Wade Johnson, CEO of St. Peter’s Health. “This leadership gift from Valley Bank directly strengthens our ability to continue to respond quickly and safely to emergencies, no matter where patients live. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to the health and safety of our communities.”
St. Peter’s operates a fleet of 10 ambulances and one response vehicle from two stations—a main station and a North Station. Teams collaborate with 19 surrounding fire departments, including 17 volunteer departments, to provide coordinated emergency response and training across rural and remote areas. Ambulance crews also transport patients to specialty care centers as needed, including facilities in Billings, Butte and, at times, out-of-state locations such as Utah.
“Our crews log thousands of calls each year, often in challenging weather and terrain,” said Chris Mulberry, ambulance manager for St. Peter’s Health. “Having modern, reliable ambulances is essential for patient care and crew safety. This new ambulance will make a real difference for the people we serve.”
The St. Peter’s Emergency Department treats more than 26,000 patients annually, including 2,600 children. Patients range in age from newborns to centenarians, underscoring the wide reach of emergency and ambulance services throughout the area.
The ambulance funded by Valley Bank will serve thousands of residents each year and reinforce ongoing community support for essential emergency care services in the region.
