Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation Awards $150,000 to Support Steele Memorial Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Expansion

Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) is honored to announce a $150,000 grant from the Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation to support the expansion of its Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department. This investment adds to the $400,000 grant awarded earlier this year by Idaho Elks Rehab, bringing total philanthropic support for the project to $550,000. Together, these contributions move SMMC significantly closer to creating an improved rehabilitation space that meets the growing needs of the Salmon community.

“Our rehab team serves more patients than ever before, and they do so in a space that no longer reflects the demand or the caliber of care they deliver,” said Preston Becker, CEO of Steele Memorial Medical Center. “The Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation’s support allows us to move forward with a facility that gives our community room to heal, move, and thrive. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission.”

The rehabilitation department—originally built in 2004—now operates well beyond its intended capacity. Therapists often work in tight quarters, and movement-based therapies are limited by the size of the current gym. The planned expansion will provide a larger, purpose-designed therapy environment with improved privacy, more functional treatment areas, and updated equipment. These enhancements will strengthen SMMC’s ability to support recovery, mobility, and long-term wellness for community members of all ages.

Earlier this year, Idaho Elks Rehab awarded SMMC $400,000 over four years to help launch this project. That opportunity was championed by the late Dave McFarland, a dedicated member of the Salmon Elks Lodge #1620 whose vision for strengthening local rehabilitation services continues through the support of his wife, Janet McFarland. Their partnership helped lay the groundwork for this transformational effort.

“The combined support of Idaho Elks Rehab and the Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation is an extraordinary investment in the future of healthcare in our community,” Becker said. “In a rural region like ours, gifts of this size are rare—and they expand what is possible. This support strengthens the future of rehabilitation services in our community and helps SMMC continue advancing the level of care available close to home.”

Founded in 2017, the Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation supports nonprofit organizations across Idaho and the Northwest, with a focus on strengthening healthcare, education, and community well-being. Its investment in SMMC reflects a continued commitment to expanding essential services in rural communities.

Steele Memorial Medical Center extends heartfelt gratitude to the Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation, Idaho Elks Rehab, the Salmon Elks Lodge, and the McFarland family for helping champion a stronger future for healthcare in our region. Their partnership brings SMMC one step closer to delivering the expanded rehabilitation services our community deserves.

For more information about the rehabilitation expansion project or to make a contribution, please contact Jenny Tracy at (208) 756-5612 or jennifer.tracy@steelemed.org.

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