in 1973, the ownership of the kalispell general hospital was transferred from the sisters of mercy to the community and the name was then changed to the kalispell regional hospital. on january 17, 1976, the kalispell regional hospital was completed and ready to render patient care. the old hospital (kalispell general hospital) became "courthouse east" and was used by the county for various offices until a new courthouse building could be constructed. in 1975, a.l.e.r.t., helicopter ambulance service, flew its first patient. in 1981, a medical/surgical intensive care unit was added. in 1985, brendan house, an extended care facility, was opened. in 1987, the kalispell regional hospital became the first in the state of montana to install an mri, a cancer treatment center was added, and a new freestanding obstetrics department was opened. in 1989, dialysis and inpatient rehabilitation facilities were added. in 1994, kalispell regional healthcare purchased nearly 50 acres adjacent to the hospital. in 1996, the kalispell regional healthcare opened "the summit community center for health promotion and fitness", combining the services of second wind (fitness) and the health promotion center (community health education and rehabilitation) into one 84,000 square foot building. in 1997, kalispell regional hospital changed their name to "kalispell regional medical center".