Right from the start, Portneuf Health Trust (PHT) has been an innovator. PHT, a 501(c)3 non-profit, was reorganized 15 years ago with the mission to enhance and improve the health of southeastern Idaho and surrounding areas. The Trust adopted an alternative approach to its governance model by establishing a joint venture with Ardent Health Services, retaining 23 percent ownership of the Portneuf Medical Center. The PHT and Ardent governing boards provide joint oversight of the Medical Center, participating equally in the strategic decision-making process. Unlike typical healthcare conversion foundations, this structure has been instrumental to create alignment in their shared mission to improve health in the community, while mitigating the risk of relinquishing control of essential hospital assets.
The Medical Center is a prime example of PHT’s focus on impact investments. PHT considers all its real estate holdings, including three medical campuses and other assets, to be impact investments. The goal of each investment is to A) advance the mission and B) provide some level of returns that will help the Trust pursue its mission in perpetuity. Over the past decade, PHT has invested more than $70 million in health-related projects, infrastructure, and partnerships to ensure better health outcomes for residents.
As a testament to the success of this strategy, PHT does not take an annual draw from their long-term pool of assets as they are able to fund operations through revenues, allowing the pool to serve as a source of funds for strategic innovation and expansion.
As a joint owner of Portneuf Medical Center, PHT drives regional health initiatives and forms collaborative partnerships, using its resources to advance community well-being. Guided by core values—leadership, integrity, collaboration, accountability, and excellence—the organization emphasizes stewardship, ensuring access to excellent clinical care regardless of ability to pay, and community-focused governance. PHT aspires to be a pioneering, initiative-driven health leader and a national model for health foundations.
Key highlights of PHT’s initiatives:
PHT’s approach is guided by a data-driven, community-focused methodology. The City Center Campus addresses regional healthcare disparities and social determinants of health, such as housing, transportation, and medical care. Outcomes include reduced emergency room use, improved continuity of care, and greater access for low-income and uninsured residents.
The campus operates under a sustainable financial model, supported by PHT’s impact investments and discounted leases, ensuring affordability for partner organizations.
Compared to national models, the City Center Campus stands out for its grassroots, community-led approach. Its structure offers a scalable, replicable solution for integrated care in other underserved areas.
Since its launch three years ago, Healthy City has developed a wide array of programs promoting physical and mental well-being for all ages. Key offerings include Healthy Living Education classes covering fitness, nutrition, and mental health, Corporate Nutrition programs, and the popular Portneuf Peaks Hiking Club, which encourages outdoor activity and community connection through guided hikes. Other engagement tools include MoveSpring wellness challenges, Petite Peaks for families, and regular step-counting and distance competitions that foster friendly motivation. Over 1,000 people have participated in the Peaks summer programs creating a sense of community and healthy living.
A defining feature of Healthy City is its inclusivity—there are no financial barriers to participation, ensuring that every resident has access to wellness resources. Thousands of locals have already embraced the initiative, and its reach continues to grow with support from schools, businesses, and media partners. A robust communication network keeps the community informed via newsletters, social media, and an online hub listing events like yoga sessions and farmers markets.
Celebrating its third anniversary, Healthy City USA has become a cornerstone of health in the region, improving not just individual well-being but also strengthening community ties. With plans to expand into health screenings and infrastructure improvements, the initiative envisions a future where Southeast Idaho thrives in every dimension of wellness. Healthy City USA is more than a program—it’s a movement redefining what it means to live well in America.
In addition to creating health focused community campuses, PHT is also innovative when it comes to fundraising for strategic initiatives. They recently launched a new Legacy Partner Program whereby PHT matches donations made toward the creation of a greenway trails system in the community. In addition to the fund match, donors are given the opportunity to name a trail after themselves, thereby leaving a healthy legacy of their own.
The Trust also sponsors several funds dedicated to addressing specific health challenges, including Behavioral Health, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cancer Patient Assistance and others. Importantly, 100 percent of donated proceeds go toward the programs with no administrative costs or fees.
In sum, Portneuf Health Trust stands as a beacon of innovative community health, seamlessly blending impact investment, collaborative partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to wellness across Southeast Idaho. Through its unique governance structure, transformative facilities, and inclusive initiatives like Healthy City USA, PHT is not only enhancing access to care and supporting vulnerable populations, but also fostering a culture of longevity, movement, and purpose. By reinvesting in local infrastructure, supporting vital health programs, and championing sustainable solutions, Portneuf Health Trust is shaping a future where every resident can thrive—setting a standard for health foundations nationwide.