Jan 8, 2019
Volunteer, Entrepreneur, Voted Best of Missoula Best Server, BMC Patient
“With Blue Mountain Family Practice, I am Back in Control of My Healthcare”
I love Blue Mountain Family Practice. I’ve helped out at their fundraiser, Off the Rack, for years. For them, nothing is taboo. When you see your doctor in a condom dress, you know you can be real about reproductive health.
For me, Blue Mountain is about my relationship with my doctor. Joey Banks is the most caring person – she has compassion, she treats me like I matter.
I have had such poor experiences with other providers. I didn’t feel heard. I felt shamed. Because of my bad experiences, I didn’t seek preventative care or healthcare at all. Blue Mountain changed that for me. I’ve been a patient since 2014, and today, I am in control of my healthcare.
Mentor, Leader, Advocate, Patient
“Blue Mountain Family Practice Helps Me Live As My True Self”
I’m a youth counselor in Hamilton. I love the work I do – I was actually a little surprised how much I ended up loving it! It’s meaningful to be there for the kids as they navigate the system and life challenges. I know how much support from another person can mean in someone’s life.
I hope, in sharing my story, that people can understand how important TransCare is, and how hard it is to find a provider that offers Transitional Care. There’s so much anxiety around a trans person’s birth gender. From day one, Blue Mountain Family Practice has treated me with dignity.
I’ve been a patient for four years. I take a hormone shot weekly. The people at Blue Mountain taught me how to do it myself, but only when I was ready. They supported me until I was. I feel comfortable asking questions about my healthcare, which is deeply personal. It’s who I am.
Retired Teacher, Mother, Avid Hiker, Patient
“I Age Actively with Blue Mountain Family Practice.”
I live my life outdoors. I am 76 years old and still hike miles at a time. It is in my spirit.
Dr. Joey cares about more than just what’s wrong. She asks me about my eating, my social life, my mental health, my family. She spends the whole hour with me. I’m never rushed out of her office.
As a woman, I have had so many providers treat me like a non-entity. That’s the reason I started going to Blue Mountain, back when they were a women’s clinic, because I wanted to find healthcare that related to me. For as long as I’ve been a patient at Blue Mountain Family Practice – 18 years – my doctor has always treated the whole person, which keeps me healthy and able to do the things I love.
Former BMC Board Director, Mother, Activist, Patient
“Blue Mountain Family Practice Saved My Life”
A little more than a year ago, I went in to see Dr. Ravitz for a routine checkup. We small talked – he asked about my boys – and I happened to mention that I had been feeling a little tired, had been experiencing some hot flashes. I figured it was normal for a woman my age. Dr. Ravitz, though, knowing me and my medical history, wanted to do some bloodwork, just in case.
Later that day I got a message from him. I’ll never forget it, “Heidi, it’s Ravitz. I’m not leaving until I hear from you.” My blood work showed that something was very wrong. I called him back, and he got me an appointment with an oncologist the next morning.
My diagnosis was chronic myeloid leukemia; it’s incredibly rare and symptoms are easy to overlook until it’s too late. Dr. Ravitz caught it in the earliest stage. He’s why I’m here today.
Ally, IT Specialist, Father, Patient
“I Ally with Blue Mountain Family Practice”
I was born in Missoula, so I remember when they were Blue Mountain Women’s Clinic. – long before they were a full family practice. I wish I could say I have some profound story as to why I decided to be a patient, but really I’m supporting their mission. I’m a feminist and a queer ally. I have good insurance and with what little leverage I have, I want to support this awesome organization.
I see Ravitz for everything. I’ve been a patient for nearly a decade, and my wife for over two decades. Our daughter has an amazing pediatrician that we’re lucky to be with for now, but down the road it’ll be time for the next step in her healthcare, and I’ve got just the place.
Student, Daughter, Leader, Entrust Youth Council Member
“Blue Mountain Family Practice Gave Me a Voice”
I was a part of Entrust Youth for two years. We’re a group of high school students who provide fact-based, nonjudgmental information about sexual health. We worked to provide peer-led, inclusive sex-ed in schools and we built a website with all kinds of resources about sexual health for everyone. I think what makes it effective is that it’s students relating to other students. Everyone has their own experiences and questions, and being in a group where talking about sex is normalized, it helps to empower young adults to be in control of their own choices about sexual activity and health.
I was accepted to Barnard Women’s College, I start this fall. My experience with Entrust Youth helped shape that choice. It helped me to find a voice, to learn more and care more about women’s issues, and to be open to others’ perspectives. It was a place where I could share my own values and what I believe in, and to be heard.