Our History

Kootenai Health's history is one of progress and success. Here's a look back at some of the milestones along the way.

In November 1966, Kootenai Memorial Hospital was opened with half the cost of construction funded by a federal grant. The other half of the funds was provided through a general obligation property tax levy, approved by over two-thirds of Kootenai County's voters in a special election. Kootenai Memorial replaced the outdated 36-bed Lake City General Hospital and the 36-bed Coeur d'Alene General Hospital. Both were acquired by the Kootenai Hospital District and closed with Memorial's opening.

Building projects in 1970, 1972, and 1978 doubled the hospital's bed capacity to 181. In 1984, a new facility was opened and named Kootenai Medical Center. Kootenai Medical Center is a 246-bed community-owned district hospital. It is guided by a publicly elected board of directors with daily operations overseen by administrative staff.

In 1987, the Kootenai Cancer Center opened its doors. More than 20 years later, the Cancer Center continues to grow. In 2007 the Kootenai Cancer Center at Bonner General Hospital opened in Sandpoint, Idaho, and in 2008 the Kootenai Cancer Center at the Kootenai Health Park in Post Falls, Idaho opened.

In 1999, Kootenai acquired a behavioral health component. Today, Kootenai Behavioral Health Center offers adult inpatient and outpatient care, chemical dependency treatment and both residential and acute programs for youth. 

In September 2003, Kootenai expanded its cardiac services with the opening of the Kootenai Heart Center. Since that time, over 1,000 open-heart procedures have been performed at the Heart Center. In 2009 they were recognized as a Blue Distiction Center for Cardiac Care 

In recent years, Kootenai has also partnered with a variety of healthcare providers to form joint ventures dedicated to delivering advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, laboratory services, outpatient surgery, and better access to physicians. By creating these collaborative relationships, Kootenai has helped ensure better care for everyone in our region.

Kootenai Health's forward-thinking board of trustees and management team, its dedicated staff and supportive community are helping to ensure that Kootenai Health's future will be as successful as its past.