Dahl Memorial
Healthcare Association
Welcome to Dahl Memorial Hospital in Ekalaka, Montana, where your health is our highest priority.
Nestled in the heart of Carter County, we provide world-class healthcare services with a comforting, small-town touch. From primary care to specialized treatments, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is here to guide you through every step of your medical journey.
About DMHA
Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association (DMHA) is a public 501(c)3 non-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital (CAH) with a Rural Health Clinic based in Ekalaka, Montana. Serving the southeast Montana region, Carter County spans nearly 3,350 square miles of land and is home to approximately 1,160 people.
Originally constructed in 1941, DMHA underwent a transformative journey with the support of our community. Eighty years later, the construction of a new hospital was completed in 2021. On November 10, 2021, services were seamlessly transitioned from the old hospital to the new facility. This state-of-the-art facility has enabled Dahl Memorial Healthcare to elevate the quality of care provided and expand essential services to the communities of Ekalaka, Carter, and Fallon County. Expanded services include our Radiology and Laboratory Departments, Rural Health Clinic, 25 private patient rooms, 3 emergency bays, and Physical Therapy.
Visitor Information
What are Visiting Hours?
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for our patients, we kindly ask visitors to adhere to the patient they are visitings requests.
Normal visiting hours are 8AM-8PM, If you are visiting after 5pm please enter the building at the Emergency Department doors. After hours visitation will be at the discretion of the charge nurse.
Please be considerate of patient needs and arrive for visiting during waking hours.
How to enter the building.
Weekday Business Hours:
Enter the building through the main double doors during business hours, 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday.
Non-Business Hours:
Please use the Emergency Department entrance. The signs in the Emergency Department entry will direct you to a call light. The call light will ring until the phone is answered. If no one picks up the call please call the main number 406-775-8730.
**Please note that these hours are subject to change based on specific department regulations. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Infection Prevention Priorities.
Our organization is committed to maintaining a clean and safe healthcare environment. To help us achieve this goal, we kindly request that visitors:
Stay Home if Unwell: If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, please refrain from visiting until you have fully recovered. This helps protect our patients and staff from potential infections.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before and after visiting.
Follow Mask Guidelines: In areas where masks are required, please ensure you wear them properly throughout your visit.
Respect Isolation Precautions: If a patient is under isolation precautions, please adhere to the specific guidelines provided by our staff.
For the latest information on any outbreaks or specific infection prevention measures, please refer to our News section or Contact Us for more details. Your health and the health of our patients are our top priorities, and we follow the guidance of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the State Health Department, and the County Health Department.
Mission, Vision, and Values
To enhance lives by providing compassionate, high-quality, and safe healthcare for everyone.
Vision: Excellent Care, Every Patient, Every Day
Values: Accountability, Honesty, Stewardship, Integrity, Compassion, Ethics, and Compliance.
The Board
At Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association, our board members are committed to guiding our organization towards excellence in healthcare provision.
Meet the individuals on our Board:
Board Chair
Georgia Bruski
Vice Chair
Troy Fruit
Secretary/ Treasurer
Marilyn Schultz
Standing Board Members
Jitt Schneider - Rusty Spencer - John Marks - Jonathan DeFord
Meet Our Dedicated Healthcare Team
Welcome to Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association, where our team of skilled providers is committed to delivering compassionate and comprehensive care to the residents of our community. Get to know our providers below.
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Carrie Jo Haar
FNP-C
With a passion for Rural Medicine, Carrie Haar, a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, brings over 23 years of healthcare experience to our team. Starting as an EMT at just 16 years old, Carrie's journey led her through nursing school and into various roles within rural and larger hospitals. Her areas of expertise include Emergency Medicine, Family & Internal Medicine, with a special interest in dermatology, general wellness, and nutrition. Carrie believes in a holistic approach to care, empowering patients to guide their health journey.
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Carla Dowdy
MSPAS, PA-C, CMO
As our Chief Medical Officer, Carla Dowdy, PA-C, brings a wealth of experience in emergency medicine and organizational leadership. Graduating with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Carla spent 14 years in urban emergency medicine before joining our serene setting in Ekalaka. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes open communication and shared decision-making. Carla's dedication to advancing her knowledge and enhancing patient care is evident in her pursuit of a Doctor of Health Science degree.
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Alexandra Lovec
MSN, APRN/FNP-C
Native to Ekalaka, Alex Lovec, APRN/FNP-C, is deeply committed to serving her community. With 17 years of experience in the medical field, including roles as an RN and now as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Alex brings a holistic perspective to patient care. Her special interests lie in geriatrics, mental health, women's health, and preventative care. Alex actively participates in community outreach programs and educational initiatives to promote health and wellness.
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Karl Hager
FNP-C, ACNP-BC, ENP-BC
Karl Hager, FNP graduated from the University of South Alabama Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner program and has 12 years of experience as an advanced practice provider. He has worked in acute care clinics and large metropolitan centers. However, his primary focus has been in rural/critical access hospitals throughout the state of Mississippi and Kentucky. He is certified in family practice, acute care, and emergency medicine. Karl’s passion is providing exceptional, compassionate care to each of his patients. His primary interests are in emergency medicine and critical care.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Our providers are currently accepting new patients and are eager to support you on your journey to optimal health. To schedule an appointment or for any inquiries, please contact Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association at 406-775-8730.
Easy to Read Fee Schedule - For all medical costs at Dahl Memorial
No Surprise Billing Act
The No Surprises Act is a federal law that went into effect on January 1, 2022.
The Act protects you from unexpected out-of-network bills from
Emergency room visits
Non-emergency care related to a visit to an in-network:
Hospital
Hospital outpatient department
Ambulatory surgical center
Air ambulance services
**These protections apply to you if you have health insurance through an employer (including a Federal Employees Health Benefits plan), the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, a State-based Marketplace, or other individual market coverage.