Public News Service

A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)

Experts want more school mental health services

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana. Research shows kids who need services are …

The latest data show 1 in 3 young females report symptoms of a mental health disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors: Prioritize mental health for Montana school kids

Montana's 166,000 students are headed back to the classroom soon. Beyond the typical school supplies like pencils, notebooks and backpacks, doctors …

Montana's 872 Commission is asking lawmakers to address the

Montana mental health experts call for more student funding

Montana is spending $300 million to improve mental health services in the state. Experts are focusing on six key areas. Montana's mental health …

A report by the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable showed one in five police shootings involve someone with a mental illness. (Adobe Stock)

Montana's mental health hotline addresses crises

A national mental health advocacy organization called Inseparable has released a report on the rollout of the 988 crisis line for people going through…

Western Montana could see highs up to 105 degrees this week, according to the National Weather Service. (Adobe Stock)

Excessive Montana heat prompts virtual emergency health care

Health care experts are warning people outdoors to use caution when engaging in sunny summertime activities. Medical service providers say virtual …

Doctors and the Montana Department of Health and Human Services have structured the previously informal process of

'Drive-thru' blood network addresses critical shortage in rural MT

By Arielle Zionts for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Col…

In Montana, one-third of fourth graders scored at or above proficient in reading in 2022, according to the new Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MT kids face poverty, lack reading and math proficiency

New data show Montana ranks 20th for the overall well-being of its children. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's "Kids Count Data Book" reported the …

In Montana, 6.9% of children do not have health insurance, ranking the state 44th out of 51, according to Georgetown University's study. (Adobe Stock)

MT sees nation's highest percentage of kids losing Medicaid

More than 4 million children nationwide were removed from Medicaid and CHIP health coverage by the end of 2023 as the government reset the programs af…

An estimated 2,700 people identify as transgender in Montana, or about one-third of 1% of the state's population, according to the UCLA Law School. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates ask MT Supreme Court to allow minors gender-affirming care

Advocates for end-of-life care options in Montana have asked the state Supreme Court to uphold an injunction of a bill banning gender-affirming care f…

Montana doctors and nurses say state law is not clear about whether health care workers can access mental health and addiction treatment without notifying the boards overseeing them. (Adobe Stock)

Montana clinicians want confidential mental health treatment

By Katheryn Houghton for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service …

Consumer Direct Montana is the latest agency in Montana to unionize, and just last month, completed bargaining for its first union contract with in-home caregivers, who are currently voting to ratify the tentative agreement. (Adobe Stock)

MT health care workers vote on large pay increase

A group of health-care workers in Montana will learn tomorrow whether their new union contract has been ratified. The tentative deal, between SEIU 7…

Montana faces above-average rates of obesity and diabetes, both of which are dangerous to heart health. (Adobe Stock)

MT faces unique challenges during Heart Month

Doctors in Montana are asking people to pay close attention to their cardiac health during February, which is National Heart Month - especially since …

Heart Butte, Mont., population 600, is on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The suicide rate for Montana's Native American youth is more than five times the statewide rate for the same age group, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Center. (Amanda MorningStar)

MT Tribes grapple with crippling suicide rate

By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Health News/Public News …

The number of mental health-care providers in Montana increased 36%, from 282.7 to 385.1 per 100,000 people, according to the United Health Foundation report. (Adobe stock)

Health report: Bright spots and warning signs in Montana

New data from the United Health Foundation show a handful of significant and chronic health conditions on the rise across the U.S. But there is …

Researchers at the University of Montana are working on a vaccine for tuberculosis. While considered a serious problem in underdeveloped parts of the world, cases in the United States are up, having jumped to 8,300 in 2022 from 7,874 in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Montana researchers awarded $12.3 million grant for tuberculosis vaccine

Researchers at the University of Montana have been awarded more than more than $12 million from the National Institutes of Health to continue their wo…

While they are common, emotional support animals may be animals other than dogs. (Adobe Stock)

Increased renter restrictions target emotional-support animals

Fair-housing advocates are concerned about changes the Legislature made to tighten restrictions on emotional-support animals for Montana renters…

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there are about 220,200 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies each year over the course of a decade. (Adobe Stock)

MT Partnership Trains Nursing Assistants to Address Critical Shortage

Facing a critical shortage of front line health care workers, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry has partnered with the Blackfeet Indian …

One key issue in the case is whether Montana is responsible for emissions within the state and downstream emissions from fossil fuels extracted in the state and transported elsewhere, or whether it is responsible only for emissions within its territory. (Lesley Clark/POLITICO's E&E News)

Montana's Youth-Led Climate Case Could Set Precedent

Now in its fifth day, 16 kids are participating in a court trial with a lawsuit accusing Montana state agencies and the governor of compromising the …

The rate of children under age 19 without health insurance dropped to 5% in 2021, an estimated 4,165,000 million kids nationwide, down from 6% in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Kids Study Shows Dramatic Lack of Montana Child Care

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book ranks Montana 18th nationally in overall child well-being. The just-released numbers showed …

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's saves costs of medical and long-term care, both for families and the U.S. government, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MT Mental Health Advocates Push for Access to Alzheimer's Treatment

During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, doctors are encouraged by the results of two new drugs being used in clinical trials. In Montana…

About 20% of Americans living in rural areas, or about 6.5 million people, have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Address Rural-Urban Mental-Health Care Gap

A new report underscores the challenges of getting mental health treatment when living in rural areas, like much of Montana. The Bipartisan Policy …

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, one in 13 people globally suffers from anxiety disorders. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Advocates Claim Success at MT Legislature

Montana's mental health advocates said state lawmakers addressed many of the state's pressing needs in the just-completed legislative session…

A bill that could threaten transgender people's legal rights in Montana has passed the Senate and is in the House. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

MT Coalition Stands Up Against Anti-Trans Bills

As the Montana Legislature considers bills that target transgender people, a coalition of groups in the state wants impacted folks to know they stand …

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. (dragonstock/Adobe Stock)

Study: Heart-Related Deaths Spiked in Pandemic's First Year

A new study finds cardiovascular-related deaths increased during the first year of the pandemic. American Heart Association data finds there were …

Montana lawmakers have attempted in past sessions to end medical aid in dying but failed. (vasanth/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Overwhelming Support for Medical Aid in Dying in MT

A poll shows in large numbers, Montanans support medical aid in dying. Under Senate Bill 210 in Helena, physicians could be charged with homicide if …

Unlike other states, which decided on this issue through ballot initiatives, medical aid in dying was legalized through the state Supreme Court in Montana. (CameraCraft/Adobe Stock)

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

A bill in the Montana Legislature would roll back access to medical aid-in-dying options at the end of someone's life - access that has been guarantee…

More than 800 health-care providers across Montana signed a letter opposing LR-131. (fizkes/Adobe Stock0

Montanans Reject 'Born-Alive' Measure

A Montana measure that would have implemented harsh penalties for medical providers who did not give life-sustaining care to newborns was voted down l…

People with medical debt were two to three times more likely to be unable to pay bills such as rent or utilities and experience higher rates of eviction, according to Kaiser Health News. (Adobe Stock)

Tackling the Roots of Medical Debt for Health Literacy Month

More than half of Americans said they are worried about getting surprise medical bills they cannot afford, and consumer advocates said one way to …

About 18,000 Montana kids will experience the loss of a family member by the time they're 18. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

MT Hosts Conference on Supporting Grieving Children

A touring conference from the National Alliance for Children's Grief comes to Montana this week. The event will be in Whitefish on Tuesday. The …

Report: MT 20th in Child Well-Being; Mental Health Remains an Issue

Montana ranks in the upper half of states for child wellbeing, according to an annual report. But mental health among young people remains a concern…

In a recent survey, 86% of Montanans polled said they believe their health-care costs increase each year. (Michail Petrov/Adobe Stock)

Montanans Look to Congress for Help on Health-Care Costs

Congress is considering a major package of bills that could affect not only investments in fighting climate change, but also the affordability of …

Despite a limited number across the state, some Montana school districts didn't prioritize counselors with COVID-19 relief funds. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Teen Depression Underscores Important Role of School Counselors

More than two years into the pandemic, depression among teenagers is up, and one way to support kids' mental health could be through school …

Nearly 11,000 Montanans have been hospitalized because of COVID-19. (rost9/Adobe Stock)

Despite Relaxed Attitudes, COVID Still Threatens High-Risk Montanans

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has led to the greatest spike of the virus in Montana since the start of the pandemic. While some might consider …

The three laws that advocates say restrict reproductive rights won't go into effect before the Montana Supreme Court makes a ruling, due to an injunction filed by District Judge Michael Moses. (Gayatri Malhotra/Unsplash)

Advocates: MT Abortion-Restriction Laws Hurt Rural Residents Most

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Big Sky Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Service Col…

There are 20 crisis pregnancy centers in Montana, compared with six abortion-care clinics. (Lorie Shaull/Flickr)

Centers "Deceive" on Reproductive Health, Study Finds

HELENA, Mont. -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities …

Preparing for a doctor's visit is an important part of ensuring children feel comfortable there when they arrive. (Jaren Wicklund/Adobe Stock)

Guide Helps Kids of All Abilities Make Choices in Doctor's Office

MISSOULA, Mont. -- A doctor's office can be an intimidating place for children. A new guide from Montana can help kids of any ability advocate for …

A recent poll finds 68% of Montanans have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Montanans Eager to See Health-Care Costs Go Down

HELENA, Mont. - As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Montanans are thinking about the quality of their health care, according to new research. A poll …

About 52,000 children were living in households with high housing cost burdens in 2019. (melissadoar/Adobe Stock)

Discouraging Trends for MT Children Leading into Pandemic, Data Shows

HELENA, Mont. -- Troubling trends in Montana may have made the pandemic harder for children, a new report shows. The latest Annie E. Casey's KIDS …

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles often are prohibitively expensive for the people who need them. (Harvey Keim)

Loan Program Helps Montanans with Disabilities Afford Assistive Tech

HELENA, Mont. - People with disabilities face a number of barriers to getting the equipment they need in daily life. A program in Montana is helping …

Montana and other state legislatures have introduced a record number of bills restricting rights for trans people. (Tracy/Flickr)

MT Lawmakers Focus on Restricting Trans, Reproductive Rights

HELENA, Mont. -- Conservative social issues are a top priority in Montana's legislative session this year, but opponents are pushing back. A slate …

The latest COVID-19 relief package includes $4 billion in aid to the food supply chain, including direct relief for farmers. (nyker/Adobe Stock)

Rural, Farming Communities to Gain from COVID-19 Relief

HELENA, Mont. -- Rural communities are big beneficiaries from the COVID-19 relief bill Congress passed on Wednesday. The $1.9 trillion bill has some …

Unpasteurized milk presents certain health risks, according to public-health experts. (USDA NRCS Montana/Flickr)

Public-Health Experts Concerned about MT Food Bill

HELENA, Mont. -- A measure in Helena would give Montanans more freedom to buy food from neighboring farmers and ranchers, supporters say, but the …

Last year, about four in five Montanans who applied for plans through Healthcare.gov qualified for financial assistance. (megaflopp/Adobe Stock)

Marketplace for Affordable Health Plans Reopens Soon

HELENA, Mont. -- Montanans will have another chance to find low-cost health insurance starting Monday. Through executive order, President Joe Biden …

A bill in the Montana Legislature would overturn 11 local ordinances banning flavored vape products. (DedMityay/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Urge MT Lawmakers to Put Out Smoking Rollbacks

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana advocates fighting cancer are urging state lawmakers not to roll back anti-smoking policies this session. February is …

Jen Banna has five children, including one daughter with a neurodevelopmental disability. (Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities)

Families of People with Disabilities Get Support in MT

HELENA, Mont. -- Families with people who have disabilities can sometimes feel isolated because of their experiences. Siblings of people with …

Does protecting businesses from liability for customers' COVID-19 infections excuse those who haven't made safety precautions a priority? Montana legislators are debating the issue. (DanRentea/Adobe Stock)

MT Business Liability Bill: Necessary, or a Shield for 'Bad Actors?'

HELENA, Mont. -- Lawmakers in Montana and other states are considering legislation to give businesses liability protection in lawsuits related to …

HB 113 would fine Montana doctors up to $50,000 for offering gender-affirming health care to minors. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Bills Targeting Transgender Youths Introduced in MT

HELENA, Mont. -- Two bills restricting transgender youths are on the docket for Montana lawmakers this year. House Bill 112 would ban transgender …

More than 230 Montanans died by suicide in 2020. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

MT Lawmakers Consider Boosting State's Suicide Prevention Efforts

HELENA, Mont. -- Suicide takes a heavy toll on Montana. In this session, lawmakers are considering efforts to strengthen the state's Suicide …

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