Central Montana Medical Center (CMMC)

03/27/2026

Come see us tomorrow, March 28th at the Family Health and Resource Expo and Easter Egg Hunt at the trade center!

03/27/2026

Central Montana Medical Center Opens Mental Health Program for Older Adults

Central Montana Medical Center has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental challenges often associated with aging. The new Central Montana Medical Center Senior Life Solutions program is located in Central Montana Medical Center at 408 Wendell Ave., Lewistown, MT 59457.

Central Montana Medical Center Senior Life Solutions provides outpatient services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals (typically 65 and older) who could benefit from coping and communication skills to improve their mental health. The program offers group and individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. The Central Montana Medical Center Senior Life Solutions team includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the older adults in our community.

“The Senior Life Solutions program provides our community with an evidence- and outcomes-based treatment proven to significantly improve the mental health of older adults,” said Cody Langbehn, CMMC CEO. “Many people over the age of 60 believe depression is just a part of getting old. It’s not. This is a program that can help you live a happier, healthier life.”
Individuals may benefit from Central Montana Medical Center’s Senior Life Solutions program if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety:
• Anxiety
• Changes in appetite
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Lost a spouse or close family member
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Recently experienced a traumatic event

Following an individual assessment, participants meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. Individual therapy sessions are also offered, along with medication management and regular check-ins. The program also offers teletherapy services, allowing patients to get the mental health support they need from the comfort of their homes using a telephone, computer, or tablet device.

Anyone can refer a patient to the program, including a healthcare professional, family member, or friend. For more information, call the Central Montana Medical Center’s Senior Life Solutions program at (406) 535-1965.

📸 Wendy Goffena MSW- Program Therapist, Kristy Heller -Program Director & Rebecca Buelke-Office Patient Coordinator are looking forward to offer support and resources to members of our community through the Senior Life Solutions Program at CMMC.

03/25/2026

Please welcome our new Speech Therapist Selina Vargas, SLP!

Selina is originally from Kaufman, TX. I completed my undergraduate coursework at Texas Christian University in 2016. After working as a rehab tech in an Inpatient Rehabilitation and a pediatric outpatient facility, I realized speech therapy was my calling. I then attended and graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with my Master’s in Communication Disorders and Speech Language Pathologist license. Currently, I am working at CMMC as an outpatient, acute care, skilled nursing facility, and home health speech language pathologist. I am passionate about educating patients and their caregivers about communication, memory strategies, language development, feeding, and behavior strategies across the entire life span in order to improve functional communication, quality of life, and relationships. In my free time I like to travel, hike, bake, garden, begin (but hardly finish) DIY home projects, and spend time with my family and two dogs.
Education: B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish for the health professions, TCU, Fort Worth, TX (2016), Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, The University of Texas at Dallas, (2029).

Focus: Pediatrics: autism, neurological and genetic disorders, dysphagia, AAC, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, bilingual (Spanish). Adults: AAC, cognitive impairment, dysphagia, and neurological disorders

Specialties: MBSiMP Certified, Autism, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Bilingual-Spanish

Call 406-535-5157 for more information!

03/24/2026

Our high school EMS class recently had a lesson on using available household items to create splints in case of a fracture. Thank you Dr. LePage for the great lesson! Some of the items used were magazines, spoons, books, scarves and dressings and more! The students were very creative in creating useful splints.

03/22/2026

CMMC establishes new funds to meet short and long-term goals

Central Montana Medical Center Foundation (MCF) has established three new funds under the umbrella of the Central Montana Foundation (CMF), creating meaningful opportunities for donors to invest in healthcare across Central Montana—both for today’s most pressing needs and for the long-term future of care in our region.

Rehabilitation Services Fund
Last fall, the Rehabilitation Services Department at Central Montana Medical Center—including Physical Therapy, Aquatic Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy—set an ambitious goal: to establish a dedicated Rehabilitation Services Fund to strengthen and sustain these essential programs.
Thanks to focused effort and strong community support, that goal was quickly achieved. “Through generous giving, we reached the $2,500 minimum required to create a permanent endowment with CMF in a short period of time,” said MCF Director Abby Franks.
Rehabilitation services play a vital role in helping individuals recover from injury, surgery, and illness. Physical and aquatic therapy improve strength, mobility, balance, and pain management. Occupational therapy empowers patients to regain the skills necessary for daily life and work. Speech therapy enhances communication and swallowing abilities—often making a life-changing difference following a stroke or other medical event.
Together, these services restore independence and help patients return to the activities they value most.
Donors may choose to make “spendable” gifts that address immediate needs or permanently endow their contributions to ensure long-term stability.
Funds will support updated equipment, expanded services, facility improvements, and staff development—ensuring high-quality rehabilitation care remains accessible in Central Montana for years to come.

Today and Tomorrow Initiative
CMMC has also launched the Today and Tomorrow Initiative, offering donors a clear and flexible way to support both immediate healthcare priorities and long-term strategic growth.
Tomorrow (Permanent Fund): As part of its long-range vision, CMMC aims to raise at least $20 million by 2045 to support capital improvements and facility enhancements. Gifts directed to the permanent portion of the Tomorrow Fund will build a lasting endowment to sustain healthcare infrastructure for future generations.
Today (Immediate Needs Fund):
Donors who wish to make an immediate impact may contribute to the Today Fund. These gifts are used promptly for equipment purchases, program support, and other donor-designated priorities.
One current Today Initiative project is the purchase of a bladder scanner, with six generous donors already propelling CMMC toward its $12,100 fundraising goal.
These new funds provide flexible, impactful ways for individuals, families, and businesses to strengthen local healthcare—now and for decades to come.
For more information about the Rehabilitation Services Fund or the Today and Tomorrow Initiative, please contact Abby Franks at the MCF office at afranks@cmmccares.com
or call 406-535-6309.

03/21/2026

MCF raising funds for bladder scanner
Story from Roundup Newsletter

Central Montana Medical Center Foundation (MCF) is raising funds to purchase a bladder scanner for CMMC through the Today Initiative (see related story, above).
MCF Director Abby Franks said they’ve raised nearly $7,500 of the total project cost of $12,100.
“A bladder scanner is an important tool that provides a quick, non-invasive way to assess bladder volume and detect urinary retention or other related issue,” Abby explained.
The scanner is a portable ultrasound device that helps clinicians make accurate decisions without the need for catheterization, reducing the risk of infection, discomfort, and unnecessary procedures for patients.
The tool is used on a regular basis in both primary care offices and outreach specialties. CMMC’s current unit is often in use in either the Emergency Department or Acute Care, creating challenges when it is needed in multiple areas at once., Abby said. “A designated clinic bladder scanner will streamline workflows to reduce delays in care, supporting accurate diagnosis in real time.”
Donors can earmark a donation for the bladder scanner by giving to the Today Initiative fund. See the giving form on Page 14 or call Abby at MCF, 406.535.6309 for more information.

03/20/2026

Central Montana Medical Center is proud to announce the opening of Central Montana Medical Center Senior Life Solutions, a new outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults (typically 65 and older) who are experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging. Anyone can make a referral to the program. This includes family members, physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, and self-referrals.

The Central Montana Medical Center Senior Life Solutions staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the older adults in our community.

If you know an older adult who may benefit from our care or have questions about our services, please call us today (406) 535-1965.

https://vimeo.com/343232008

OUR MISSION
The Mission of Central Montana Medical Center is to be the leader in assuring community based quality healthcare.

03/18/2026

Join us for the Auxiliary Early Easter Bazaar on Thursday, March 19th in the CMMC Main Entrance Lobby from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Stop by early—items will go fast! Browse a wonderful selection of handmade items, along with sweet treats and cookies perfect for spring celebrations or a little seasonal indulgence.
All proceeds benefit the organization, and the Auxiliary’s efforts touch nearly every corner of CMMC. Here are just a few ways they make a difference:
🎓 Scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare
🎁 Welcome bags for new employees to help them feel at home
💙 Infusion bags for cancer patients to offer comfort during treatment
📝 Wish list items that departments request to improve patient care…and so much more!

Handcrafted finds and sweet treats for a great cause—don’t miss it!

Don’t miss the CMMC Auxiliary Lewistown MT Spring Bazaar & Bake sale this Thursday - March 19th from 8am-noon in our main lobby! 🌸🌱🩷🌷🐥🐇

03/18/2026

Michael Durbin estate gift supports area First Responders
Story from Roundup Newsletter

Michael (“Mike”) Durbin was a caretaker by nature—a man who was always looking for ways to step in and help anyone in need.
Even in his final days, he remained focused on how he could best support others. He made it clear that his estate should benefit the causes that mattered most to him, directing that his assets be divided between St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Lewistown, and Central Montana Medical Center.
Following Mike’s passing on March 30, 2025, at the age of 72, the Central Montana Medical Center Foundation (MCF) received a generous estate gift earmarked for the Friends of First Responders Fund.
“The Friends of First Responders is one of our most active funds,” said MCF Director Abby Franks. “It helps support both CMMC EMTs as well as rural EMTs through equipment purchases and financial assistance for training and certification requirements.”
The Friends of First Responders Fund also supports EMT programs at Fergus High School and surrounding rural schools. Since its inception in 2018, more than 80 students have completed the class. One of the course instructors, Dr. Amy LePage, said a former EMT recently contacted all the students who completed the class, and 60% of the respondents said they are still in healthcare or pursuing a career in healthcare.
Mike surely would have been one of those high school students eager for EMT training had the opportunity existed during his time. According to his brothers, Kerby and Jayme, Mike had a lifelong interest in emergency services, as his career path demonstrated.
Born on May 4, 1952, Mike was the oldest of seven children raised by Maurice and Mary Jo Durbin. After graduating from St. Leo’s High School in 1970, he attended the College of Great Falls. He went on to become an EMT and paramedic, working for a Great Falls ambulance service for several years before taking a job in Billings.
Kerby and Jayme said Mike was following in their mother’s footsteps—Mary Jo Durbin spent her career working as an LPN in Lewistown.
Mike had a deep passion for the medical field, health, and safety. After his ambulance service years, he became a health and safety professional. He served as a First Aid/CPR/AED instructor with the American Red Cross and worked as a safety supervisor for chemical, petrochemical, and fuel terminals—often in large underground mines. He also worked for the Bureau of Reclamation as a safety performance tester for heavy equipment.
Throughout his career, Mike carried a medical equipment bag, prepared to save lives during workplace emergencies. Kerby and Jayme said he put that training to use several times over the years.
In 1981, Mike married his best friend, Karen Gallup, whom he met in Billings. His career took the couple to Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona before they settled in Portland in 1991. Mike retired in 2019 to become Karen’s full-time caretaker until she passed away from cancer in May 2020.
He returned to his hometown in 2022 to be closer to his close-knit family and friends.
“Mike would look for opportunities to jump in and do whatever he could to help someone his whole life,” Kerby said. “He was generous—if he took someone fishing, he’d supply everything. That was his personality.”
Jayme added that Mike’s life clearly reflected the values their parents instilled in all their children. “They taught us what’s important in this life: family and faith, and giving back.”
Those principles, Jayme said, have served them well in both business and personal life: “The more we give to the community, the more it comes back to us.”
For more information about the Friends of First Responders Fund, or to support this and other MCF funds, call Abby at 40-535-6309

03/16/2026

Don’t miss the CMMC Auxiliary Lewistown MT Spring Bazaar & Bake sale this Thursday - March 19th from 8am-noon in our main lobby! 🌸🌱🩷🌷🐥🐇

03/16/2026

Come see us March 28th at the Family Health and Resource Expo and Easter Egg Hunt!

03/13/2026

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