With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities to live happy and healthy lives.
Today, we’re headed west to Fort Harrison VA Medical Center (VAMC), which boasts over 100 years of providing high-quality care for Veterans.
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
The Fort Harrison VAMC is located in Fort Harrison, Montana and is part of the VA Montana Healthcare System, which covers 147,000 square miles of primarily rural communities.
Initially a military post, the Fort Harrison VAMC was named after Benjamin Harrison, who was the sitting U.S. president at the time. It was renamed in 1906 for Harrison’s grandson, President Willian Henry Harrison, after realizing a fort in Indianapolis shared the same name. In 1933, Fort Harrison opened as a VA tuberculosis sanitarium, with sleeping porches for “sick and disabled former soldiers, sailors, and marines” to take advantage of the Rocky Mountain region’s “dry vigorous mountain air.”
In 1963, the Fort Harrison VAMC expanded to accommodate Vietnam War Vets with the addition of Building #154, which remains its main hospital building. Today’s Fort Harrison VAMC features 34 beds in acute care with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility.
Say Hello to Helena
Just four miles from the Fort Harrison VAMC, you’ll find Montana’s state capital, Helena. Founded during the gold rush, Helena remains rich in history, outdoor adventure, and culture. If you enjoy mountain biking, hiking, or running, be sure to check out the Helena Ridge Challenge, a course designed for you to conquer all five of Helena’s ridges. Museums and art pique your interest? Be sure to visit the latest art installation at Mountain Sage Gallery or the Montana Heritage Center. And if you’re feeling extra brave, explore an abandoned mountain town from the pioneer days.
Jobs at Fort Harrison VAMC
Check out current openings at the Fort Harrison VAMC to find a career and a community that’s right for you.
- Physician—Radiologist, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging
- Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist
Work at VA
If you’re looking for a career that’s All About Veterans, explore rural VA locations like Fort Harrison.
- LEARN more about VA rural careers.
- DISCOVER VA’s professional opportunities.
