News

Published: December 24, 2025

Sapphire Community Health is proud to announce that Board Chair Jim Morton has been honored with the 2025 CHAMPS Exceptional Board Leadership Award, presented by the Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States (CHAMPS) during a virtual awards ceremony on December 10. This award recognizes outstanding leadership and dedication to the health center mission, and Jim’s recognition reflects years of visionary service to improving access to care for underserved communities in Ravalli County, Montana.

Nearly 12 years ago, Jim identified a critical gap in access to integrated primary and behavioral health care in the Hamilton area and committed himself to addressing it. Through persistence, extensive research, and leadership, he successfully guided Sapphire Community Health through the rigorous federal New Access Point application process, ultimately achieving HRSA designation in 2015 after multiple attempts. Under his leadership, Sapphire Community Health has grown to serve more than 4,500 primary care patients annually and expanded its integrated behavioral health program, now serving over 1,800 patients each year. This recognition celebrates Jim’s unwavering commitment to community-driven, accessible health care and the lasting impact of his leadership.