Logan Health is taking the lead in creating a new nonprofit that aims to better connect the region’s emergency medical services.

A sizable donation from Flathead Valley philanthropists Eddie and Candy DeBartolo will fund the initial steps to put the so-called consortium in place, the hospital system announced last week.

According to Logan Health Emergency Medical Services Executive Director Ryan Pitts, the Amtrak derailment in Joplin last summer highlighted the need for improved connectivity between emergency resources in Montana’s more remote areas. Three people were killed, dozens were injured and more than 40 people were transported to area hospitals after the westbound passenger train derailed on Sept. 25.

Pitts said the crash and ensuing response revealed some “communication gaps” between responding emergency services, and that “not a lot of agencies have trained with each other.”

It is Pitts’ hope that the yet-to-be-named nonprofit will change that. He envisions the group working to improve communication methods and equipment, as well as setting up training opportunities, along with an annual conference.

“Our goal is to build an infrastructure focused on the needs of patients in any emergency situation,” said Pitts in a press release. “I believe the connectivity, communication and collaboration that this consortium will achieve will be a game changer for patients in our region.”

Pitts described the DeBartolos’ donation as “significant,” with funds already earmarked to set up the group, bring in training and establish service enhancement grants, among other initiatives.

The first step is to recruit organizations and individuals to get involved, including other hospital systems, EMS services and personnel who would gain from being a part of the group, Pitts said.

“There is a need to put together an organization that brings everyone into the tent,” Pitts said.

“We want it to speak all the way down to the individual level.”

He noted that while Logan Health is leading the charge to set up the consortium, the goal is to have as many health care systems and organizations as possible join.

“It’s not about Logan,” he said.

“The seed is planted in this area and membership will radiate out,” he added. “I hope it grows to be really big. Statewide and beyond.”

In a press release, Logan Health CEO Craig Lambrecht noted that the DeBartolos’ have donated more than $8 million cumulatively and are the single largest donors in the history of the health care organization.

Eddie DeBartolo owned the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise during the 1980s and 90s, and owns the Candy Bar Ranch in the Flathead Valley.

“Many of Logan Health’s initiatives would not be possible without philanthropic support of our community donors like Eddie and Candy DeBartolo,” Lambrecht said. “This EMS consortium is another example of the DeBartolo’s generosity serving as a catalyst to bring vision to fruition, and we are deeply grateful for their gracious commitment to Logan Health. I can’t thank them enough for their continued generosity.”