February 03, 2021
(Eastern Idaho) – The COVID-19 vaccine rollout for Priority Group 2.2, adults age 65 and older, is finally here with vaccinations starting in Lemhi County the week of February 1. We want people to understand this priority group (approximately 30,000 in Eastern Idaho Public Health’s 8-county region) is very large and it is anticipated a large percentage of these individuals will want to be vaccinated. Therefore, with limited vaccine available (approximately 2100 doses/week), many people in this priority group will not have access to the vaccine for weeks. If more vaccine is allocated to our region, more appointments will become available. We request continual patience and understanding as we undertake this monumental task of administering the COVID-19 vaccine to adults 65 and older.
December 14, 2020
On December 14, 2020 Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) received Idaho’s first shipment of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. A total of 975 vaccines were distributed in District 7 with Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center receiving 425 doses, Idaho Falls Community Hospital 125 doses, Madison Memorial Hospital 115 doses, Mountain View Hospital 220 doses, Steele Memorial Medical Center 30 doses, and Teton Valley Hospital 60 doses.
November 09, 2020
On November 5, 2020, Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) issued an Order of Restriction moving Lemhi County in to Critical Risk Category,
“The rate of COVID-19 infections reported to EIPH for Lemhi County, Idaho, has exceeded the established threshold of 45/15,000 for three consecutive days in accordance with EIPH's COVID-19 Regional Response Plan, which outlines restrictions for slowing the spread of COVID-19.” Lemhi County has reached as high as 78.5/ 15,000 persons.
September 22, 2020
The Idaho Hospital Association recently named Dr. Samuel Gardner the recipient of the 2020 Excellence in Medicine Award for his outstanding dedication and care for those in Lemhi County.
Dr. Gardner epitomizes the rural family doctor, providing care in the ER, in the clinic and even making house calls when needed. There aren’t many in Salmon who haven’t met him sometime during the last 23 years. It’s not the number of years that makes him an outstanding doctor worthy of recognition, but his commitment to his community and patients.
August 17, 2020
On Thursday, August 13th, 2020 Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) issued an Order of
Restriction moving Lemhi County into MODERATE RISK category,
“The rate of COVID-19 infections reported to Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) for Lemhi
County, Idaho, has exceeded the established threshold of 15/10,000 for three consecutive days in
accordance with EIPH's COVID-19 Regional Response Plan, which outlines restrictions for
slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
July 30, 2020
I want to apologize to you. The recent letter you received from our Foundation asking for help buying equipment for our pediatric rehab program offended some of our donors, patients and community members. Of course that was never our intent, so I want to personally apologize and clarify a few things.
July 30, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center continues to adapt, mandate, and promote safe practices for not only our patients and visitors, but also our staff to ensure minimal Covid-19 exposure. It takes every member of our team including the community to stop the spread of the virus. In an effort to stop/slow the spread of the virus, SMMC implemented screening stations on March 30, 2020 at the main entrances including the hospital main lobby, ER lobby, clinic lobby, and specialty clinic lobby.
June 29, 2020
As part of Steele Memorial Medical Center’s ongoing initiative to improve quality in its
workflows across all departments as well as patient safety protocols through its recent
accreditation from DNV GL, SMMC has partnered with a new service provider to improve the
support and communication in its billing process.
Addressing feedback from the community, SMMC has chosen to work with a billing service
provider which has incorporated the training and patient communications approach that align
with SMMC’s own mission, vision, and values.
May 05, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center continues to follow CDC, Federal, State, and Department of Health and Welfare guidelines throughout Covid-19 pandemic. On April 23, 2020, Governor Little issued Idaho Rebounds: Guidelines for Opening up Idaho. The Governor’s guide includes 4 phases for Idaho businesses to meet with phase 1 beginning May 1, 2020. Steele Memorial has created five phases that align with Governor Littles guidelines that begin May 1, 2020. In following these guidelines set forth, “We are confident that initiation of these steps is in the best interest of our patients and staff. We strive to keep all patients and staff safe and healthy while continuing to deliver compassionate healthcare,” says Jeanie Gentry, CEO.
April 24, 2020
(SE Idaho) – Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) and Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) have confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in a female in her 40s in Lemhi County. She was diagnosed through the Emergency Department at SMMC as an outpatient. She was never hospitalized and is currently self-isolating while recovering at home. The source of exposure for this positive case was community transmission. Community transmission means the spread of illness for which the source of the infection is unknown and cannot be connected to travel or close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
April 14, 2020
Steele Memorial Hospital and the Steele Foundation would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Valerie Brackett and Nikolaos Monoyios Charitable Fund of the Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program, as the entity making a recent donation to the Foundation on behalf of Valerie Brackett and Nikolaos Monoyios in the amount of $15,000. They made this generous gift to support us in our fight against Covid19, and ensure we are best prepared to care for our community. Their donation will purchase three sanitation devices, the Clorox 360 System, to help us keep the health system healthier and in a shorter amount of time.
March 27, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) is committed to keeping the community updated frequently on the status of the COVID-19 situation here in Lemhi County. As an essential business that is exempt from Idaho Governor Brad Little’s state wide stay-home order for the next 21 days, it will remain open during all regular times offering all their normal services at this time.
March 16, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) is working diligently with local officials, school district, county, and state agencies, as well as following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. According to the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), the following actions can be followed to help decrease the spread of the virus:
March 09, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center and the Steele Memorial Foundation are very pleased to inform the community of an anonymous donation made to ensure our preparedness for a potential coronavirus outbreak in Salmon or the surrounding areas. Jeanie Gentry, CEO worked swiftly with department directors and administration to evaluate our supplies and ability to respond to a threat. Staff reviewed needs and presented the donor with a list of materials and supplies needed to ensure we can handle and care for infected patients. The generous $100,000 donation will go towards the purchase of additional supplies and equipment needed to assist staff in the case of an outbreak or emergency.
January 16, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center announces the successful completion of its new accreditation process from DNV GL - Healthcare.
By earning accreditation, Steele Memorial has demonstrated it meets or exceeds patient safety standards (Conditions of Participation) set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DNV GL’s accreditation program is the only one to integrate the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.
September 24, 2019
The 340B Drug Discount Program is a US federal government program created in 1992 that requires drug manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs to eligible health care organization such as Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) at significantly reduced prices.
August 01, 2019
Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, RRG is pleased to announce that Steele Memorial Medical Center earned the Quality Improvement Award. The award was presented to the hospital at the Yellowstone Annual Meeting & Risk Management Conference held in June.
“Thank you to all of our staff who continue to strive for excellence in patient safety and quality of care. Without your hard work and dedication, this award would not be possible, says Wendy Chesley, RN Compliance Officer.”
July 10, 2019
Becker's Healthcare is pleased to recognize Jeanie Gentry, CEO of Steele Memorial Medical Center as one of the following 70 CEOs, presidents and administrators of critical access hospitals.
“Steele Memorial is proud to recognize Jeanie Gentry, CEO with this distinguished award. Jeanie continues to move Steele Memorial forward with innovative ideas, insuring Steele Memorial has state of the art equipment to meet the needs of the community. Congratulations Jeanie Gentry, says Dennise Lile, SMMC Board Chair.”
July 01, 2019
Congratulations Dr. Joe Krakker on being named Rural Preceptor of the Year! The residents of Family Medicine Residency of Idaho - Boise presented Dr. Krakker with this honor. Dr. Joe was nominated by 4 individuals and voted on by the students. Steele Memorial Medical Center and our community are so lucky to have such a wonderful provider.
May 25, 2019
Becker's Hospital Review recently named Steele Memorial Medical Center as one of the 67 Critical Access Hospitals to Know.
“This is a great honor,” stated Jeanie Gentry, SMMC CEO. “It means we are one of the best hospitals in the country which is wonderful because our community deserves the very best care possible.”
April 02, 2018
Beginning in April 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will start mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare. A new alpha-numeric identifier will replace the current Social Security Number-based identifier. This roll-out will occur over a several month period, based upon the geographic location of the Medicare beneficiary.
February 08, 2018
Steele Memorial Medical Center donates 20 naloxone kits to the Salmon Police Department and Lemhi County Sheriff’s Department. Joel Rea, Pharmacy Director first initiated this community project late summer. In February, Joel provided kits to officers along with information and training on how to properly use and administer the opioid reversal drug.
February 08, 2018
Steele Memorial Medical Center in Salmon, ID was recently named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
“This achievement is very gratifying and validates our daily commitment to providing the best healthcare possible to our community, while maintaining an efficient and effective facility,” said Jeanie Gentry, CEO.
January 04, 2018
The New Year’s baby was delivered January 2, 2018 at 11:37 am at Steele Memorial Medical Center by Dr. Richard Natelson. Baby Boy Hill was born to the proud parents of Kera Bartleson and Zachary Hill (from Salmon). Baby Boy Hill weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and measured 20.25 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Anne and Ted Lamusga of Chico, CA. Paternal grandparents are Kim Dorony & Lennis Hill of Salmon.
November 28, 2017
Steele Memorial Medical Center hosted the 5th Annual 5K or 1 Mile Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Day. There were 194 runners, walkers, and trotters ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years old. The weather was a perfect 40 degrees with overcast. Several participants dressed up in turkey costumes and other creative costumes including pilgrims.
October 17, 2017
Steele Memorial Auxiliary held its 17th annual Pink Tea October 13th at the Steele Memorial Clinic Conference Center. The events theme was “Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, and Never, Ever Giving Up Hope” and health topic “Mental Wellness & Breast Cancer”.
September 08, 2017
Jeanie Gentry, CEO and Jenny Tracy, Marketing Manager of Steele Memorial Medical Center present John Hamilton, Pioneer School Principal with much needed school/medical supplies. Among the donated items included 1,800 bandages, 48 personal deodorants, and a case of moist towelettes.
August 31, 2017
As part of Steele Memorial Medical Center’s Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention Program, SMMC offered reduced rate pre-training physicals to all Salmon area student athletes July 26th and August 3rd. Over 60 student athletes participated in the program, making it a great success. Jeanie Gentry, Steele Memorial CEO stated, “Steele Memorial Medical Center providers and employees are proud of our commitment to enhance the health of young athletes, and are looking forward to a safe and successful year of athletic events.”
February 20, 2017
Steele Memorial Medical Center honors Cammie Hugunin, RN on her retirement. Cammie began working for the organization May 23, 1977. Stephanie Orr, Chief Nursing Officer says, "I’m honored to have worked with Cammie and witnessed her compassionate care, caring for the grandchild all the way to the grandparent, an honor bestowed on those working in a small community for forty years.
February 06, 2017
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, is our nation's No. 1 cause of death; in fact, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women. February is National Heart Awareness Month; and, in observance Steele Memorial Medical Center supported the National Wear Red Day on February 3, 2017.
January 10, 2017
The New Year’s baby was delivered January 5, 2017 at 12:28 pm at Steele Memorial Medical Center by Dr. Natelson. Morgan John Thimons was born to the proud parents of Ben and Natasha Thimons and brother Maddox (from Salmon).
December 05, 2016
Steele Memorial Medical Center hosted the 4th Annual 5K or 1 Mile Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 24th, Thanksgiving Day. There were a total of 140 runners, walkers, and trotters ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years old. The weather was a perfect 30 degrees and sunny. Several participants dressed up in turkey costumes and other creative costumes.
November 17, 2016
Steele Memorial Medical Center vows to support all community members including employees who need support to quit smoking November 17. Smoking cessation information is available in the Steele Memorial lobby on Thursday, November 17. EIPH Smoking Cessation Support Group starts Tuesday, November 22, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Mahoney House.
August 09, 2016
Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) recently announced it will be offering a new service to the community at the end of this month. A new urgent care Walk-In clinic will open August 29, 2016.
Jeanie Gentry, SMMC CEO stated this is in response to strong community input. “Ever since I joined Steele in April, I have heard people asking for an urgent care service,” stated Gentry.
June 28, 2016
For the second year in a row, Becker's Hospital Review has named Steele Memorial Medical Center in a published list of "50 Critical Access Hospitals to Know" in the United States.
Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC), is a Medicare-Certified, county-owned, 18-bed Critical Access Hospital and associated Rural Health Clinic. Located at 203 South Daisy Street in Salmon, Idaho, SMMC is a comprehensive healthcare system serving people in Lemhi and Custer counties and surrounding areas.
June 20, 2016
Danika Williams of Salmon, Idaho organized and collected donations from the Lemhi County Community for the purchase of 29 Thirty One® zip top organizing utility totes filled with care items for Steele Memorial Medical Center chemotherapy patients. The contents of the Thirty One totes included:
May 23, 2016
Steele Memorial Medical Center in Salmon, ID was recently named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the country.
The Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals, including Steele Memorial Medical Center, scored best among critical access hospitals on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index™.
April 19, 2016
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Steele Memorial Medical Center’s (SMMC) Dietary Department participated in a cash donation drive to benefit Salmon’s local food banks. We decided on a cash donation so that the local Food Bank would have the opportunity to purchase fresh produce with the donated funds. The drive consisted of a pancake feed hosted by SMMC and a collection jar.
