Dear Friends and Supporters of Blue Mountain Clinic:

 

First and foremost, we want to thank you for being part of such a community driven movement. In 2012, Blue Mountain Clinic turned 35 years old, a fact that has come with both rewards and challenges. As an organization that has survived an anti-choice bomb attack, legislative threats and financial challenges over the years, we at BMC are cognizant of the many things we have to be thankful for.

 

This year has been one of many changes. Annie Hansen stepped into the role of Clinic Director, and the newly created position- Director of Development, Outreach and Communications- was filled by Lynsey Bourke. In July 2012, Dr. Joey Banks joined Dr. Ravitz as a full-time family practice doctor. Once again, Blue Mountain Clinic and Dr. Ravitz won the Missoula Independent's Best of Missoula poll for "Best Clinic" and "Best Doctor" respectively. Through increased internal capacity, Blue Mountain Clinic has the opportunity to flourish and better serve our community.

 

Blue Mountain Clinic has been made possible thanks to the support from people like YOU in our community who have given both time and finances. Here is how YOU can help:

  • Give a general donation:This will help with general operating funds
  • Equipment Fund: This will help us purchase 2 new exam tables!
  • Access Fund: Help low income women access safe and legal abortion

 

Blue Mountain Clinic will continue to be a shining example of a health clinic firmly rooted in Social Justice principles, however with YOUR support we can do so much more!

 

In Solidarity,

 

Annie Hansen, Lynsey Bourke and the Blue Mountain Clinic Team

 

As per the BMC Mission, our passionate staff continues to identify and respond to gaps in our community's healthcare needs. Our current focus is as follows:

  • Travel Medicine: Dr. Joey Banks has lived all over the world and has experienced tropical medicine from a firsthand perspective. She is currently taking patients who want stellar advice on both prevention and treatment of exotic maladies.
  • Transgender/ Intersex Health: BMC recently was awarded a grant from the PRIDE Foundation in order to further develop local provider capacity. Together with MT TDOR, BMC is organizing the Transgender Health Conference slated for spring of 2013, in which a specialist will train local providers in cutting edge hormonal treatments.
  • Commitment to Access: In 2012, the BMC Access Fund continued to subsidize the costs of abortion for low income women. For some women who travel from long distances to access safe and legal abortion, this can mean something as simple as a gas card, or a voucher for childcare. In addition to this, BMC helps women enroll in "Plan 1st", an insurance plan, offered by the State of Montana, which provides preventative, STI and Birth control coverage to low income women and families.

Results of The Abortion Monologues-

A play by Jane Cawthorne

 

When Blue Mountain Clinic, Women's Resource Center and The Women's and Gender Studies Program (University of Montana) decided to collaborate on performing The Abortion Monologues locally, we thought we would be "just preaching to the choir". What we learned is that the performance- 17 monologues that depict the variety of reasons why women choose abortion- can be a major catalyst for intellectual change. abnote

 

We plan to perform The Abortion Monologues at the 2013 Legislature in Helena. There was also incredible interest from community members to perform the "Montana Abortion Monologues". We are currently gearing up to collect these stories from community members interested in performing next year.

 

For more information contact:

Lynsey Bourke

LB@bluemountainclinic.org

or 406.203.6362

 
Save the Date! OFF THE RACK 2013!  

In 2013, Blue Mountain Clinic will impact   local culture through the following activities:   

Þ Political Presence: Blue Mountain Clinic currently sits on the following committees and boards- Montana Women Vote, NARAL Pro-Choice Montana, Feminist Abortion Network and the Montana Reproductive Rights Coalition. These affiliations engage Blue Mountain in the political arena to better mobilize around legislation that will have direct impacts on choice.

Þ Engaging the Mainstream Creatively: Every year, Blue Mountain Clinic's Off The Rack condom fashion show engages the artistic community both as           performers and audience members. This allows BMC to touch a much wider audience than otherwise possible. Similarly, The Abortion Monologues, which was     performed on November 1st, 2012 at the Missoula Winery proved to be a transformative force.

Þ Education and Outreach: Currently, BMC staff teaches Sex Ed modules by request throughout the community. In an effort to be more effective, we are currently working on formalizing more curriculum to respond to the needs of Montana's teens. Programs like ASKMAP, our sexual health texting hotline, is set to expand in 2013, with a state wide radio campaign and         subsequent contest.

Þ Commitment to Gender Justice: Blue Mountain Clinic is proud to work on issues that affect gender equality in our community. This means fighting for transgender health is just as important as keeping abortion accessible.

Þ Implementations of New Strategies: BMC is working on a new Marketing plan for 2013 that will further incorporate our Gender Justice paradigm with our Family Practice Principles. By the end of December 2012 our new website will be accessible at: www.bluemountainclinic.org.

 

WAYS TO DONATE:

 

 

  •  Pledge a monthly donation-Your account will be billed monthly

 

  • Send a check to:

Blue Mountain Clinic

610 N California Street

Missoula, MT 59801