AGP Executive Report

Mental Health Response: Missoula’s mobile crisis team handled 3,130 calls in 2025, up 140% from 2021, and often works past 8 p.m. The growing demand is renewing questions about round-the-clock coverage. Data Center Health Impacts: A Missoula County study found potential risks to health, safety and the environment from data centers, and recommends drafting zoning rules to address impacts including noise, water and backup generators. Measles Watch: The U.S. has recorded 4,588 measles cases this year—more than double 2025’s total—with cases reported in Montana and 46 other states. Behavioral Health Care: A judge has cleared the way for construction of a mental health facility near Laurel, lifting a legal block as a separate court fight continues. Health Workforce: Missoula College received a $2.9 million grant to expand its nursing program, addressing Montana’s need for more rural health care workers.

Cannabis and Heart Health: A study of more than 50 million hospital discharges found recreational cannabis sales were associated with higher rates of heart attack, heart failure and atrial fibrillation hospitalizations in the West, including Montana. The findings show an association, not proof that legalization caused the increase. Local Food and Nutrition: Montana wants to increase the share of state-grown food eaten by residents from 3% to 33% by 2033, with advocates pointing to benefits for producers, communities and diners. Mental Health Care: A judge cleared the way for construction of a psychiatric facility near Laurel, a potential boost to care access. Training and Access: Helena College has launched Montana’s only occupational therapy assistant program, while Missoula College received a $2.9 million grant to expand nursing education. Montana also broke ground on its first standalone VA dental clinic, and Missoula’s Health and Wellness Fair offered free screenings and resources.

Food and Nutrition: Montana aims to raise the share of locally grown food eaten in-state from 3% to 33% by 2033, with a new summit focused on stronger markets, nutrition and community resilience. Mental Health Care: Construction can move ahead on a psychiatric facility near Laurel after a judge lifted a block, though a separate court fight continues. Health Workforce: Helena College has launched Montana’s only occupational therapy assistant program, while Missoula College received a $2.9 million grant to expand nursing education. Community Health: Missoula’s Health and Wellness Fair offered free screenings and resources; Montana medical students are also preparing research on healthcare challenges in the state. Food Safety: WinCo recalled hoagie rolls sold in Montana and six other states because sesame was missing from the label, posing a serious allergy risk. Cannabis and Heart Health: A study of hospital records found faster rises in several heart-related admissions in Western states after recreational cannabis sales became legal, but researchers cautioned the findings do not prove legalization caused the increases.

Mental Health Care: A judge has cleared construction to proceed on Montana’s forensic mental health facility west of Laurel. The planned 32-bed center could expand to 64, though a separate court challenge continues. Substance Use: Missoula County health inspectors will begin enforcing a rule against kratom sales in retail food businesses Nov. 2. Officials link kratom to nearly 30 overdose deaths statewide from 2020 to 2025; smoke shops and dispensaries are exempt. Workforce: Missoula College received a $2.9 million grant to expand its nursing program, while Helena College launched Montana’s only occupational therapy assistant program. Community Care: Dawson County’s domestic violence program opened Eastern Montana’s first community-based sexual assault nurse examiner room. Food Safety: WinCo recalled hoagie rolls sold in Montana and six other states because sesame flour was missing from labels, posing a serious risk to people with sesame allergies.

Heart Health: A study of more than 50 million hospital records found faster rises in admissions for heart attacks, heart failure and atrial fibrillation in Western states after recreational cannabis sales were legalized. Montana was included, but researchers cautioned the study does not show legalization caused the increase. Kratom Rules: Missoula County health inspectors will begin enforcing a ban on kratom sales in retail food businesses Nov. 2; smoke shops and dispensaries are exempt. Officials say the substance was linked to nearly 30 overdose deaths in Montana from 2020 to 2025. Mental Health Care: A judge has cleared construction to proceed on Montana’s proposed forensic mental health facility near Laurel. The planned 32 beds, with room to expand to 64, are intended to ease waits and reduce pressure on county jails and the state hospital in Galen, though a separate court challenge continues. Care Workforce: Helena College is launching Montana’s only occupational therapy assistant program, aiming to address high demand and the state’s low number of providers. Nursing Home Quality: Kalispell’s Retreat is one of eight Montana nursing homes to earn a new federal high-performance designation, and the only one in the Flathead Valley.

Senior Care: Immanuel Living’s Retreat in Kalispell earned a new federal high-performance designation, one of eight Montana nursing homes to receive it. Kratom: Missoula County will begin enforcing a ban on kratom sales in grocery and convenience stores Nov. 2; officials say the substance was tied to nearly 30 Montana overdose deaths from 2020 to 2025. Smoke shops and dispensaries are exempt. Mental Health Care: A judge lifted a block on construction of a state forensic psychiatric facility near Laurel, though a separate court challenge continues. The facility is planned for 32 beds, with room to expand to 64. Health Workforce: Helena College is launching Montana’s only occupational therapy assistant program to help address a statewide shortage. Rural Access: Montana is investing $3.63 million to expand services at 17 rural EMS agencies, while the VA has broken ground on the state’s first standalone dental clinic in Helena.

Health Workforce: Helena College is launching Montana’s only occupational therapy assistant program, adding an in-state path into a field with high demand and few workers. Community Care: Missoula’s free Health and Wellness Fair returns Saturday with screenings, vaccinations and local health resources. Rural Access: A $3.63 million state grant will help 17 rural EMS agencies send crews into homes for wound care and fall checks; Helena is also set to get the state’s first standalone VA dental clinic. Mental Health: Construction can begin on a psychiatric facility near Laurel, a step toward addressing gaps in care. Public Health: The CDC reports 4,588 U.S. measles cases this year, including cases reported in Montana. Parents should also check children’s toothpaste: a nationwide recall covers several brands, including character-themed products. Data Center Health: A Billings physician estimates a proposed center could bring $19 million to $33 million in added health costs and 1.2 to 2.2 deaths a year at 70% capacity; those are projections, as Missoula County weighs possible impacts and rules.

Data Center Health: A Billings pulmonologist warned Yellowstone County commissioners that proposed gas-fired power for a Broadview data center could worsen respiratory and heart problems and raise medical costs. Veterans’ Care: A new VA dental clinic in Helena is expected to open next year, adding nearly 20 treatment rooms and expanding access for veterans. Lead Awareness: Helena eighth graders tested soil samples with state health officials, who stressed that even low lead exposure can harm children. Sexual Assault Services: Eastern Montana’s first community-based SANE room has opened in Glendive, offering exams and support for sexual assault survivors. Rural Emergency Care: Montana’s $3.63 million grant will help 17 rural EMS agencies provide services including in-home wound care and fall checks.

Child Health: Helena eighth-graders tested soil and pottery for lead as state health officials taught them about exposure from soil, old paint and toys. Survivor Care: Dawson County’s domestic violence program opened Eastern Montana’s first community-based SANE exam room in Glendive, expanding sexual-assault services in three counties. Nursing Workforce: Missoula College received a $2.9 million grant to expand its nursing program, as UM also helps high-school students prepare for rural health careers. Rural Emergency Care: A $3.63 million state investment will support 17 rural EMS agencies, including efforts to provide in-home wound care and fall checks. Behavioral Health: A judge cleared construction of a psychiatric facility near Laurel, and a youth mental-health center is planned near Belgrade. Heart Health: A national study linked recreational cannabis legalization with faster increases in hospital admissions for heart rhythm problems, heart failure and heart attacks; it found an association, not proof of cause. Community Wellness: Missoula’s free health fair Saturday will offer screenings, immunizations and naloxone training.

Kratom Safety: Missoula County says kratom products can’t be sold by businesses with food or beverage licenses under existing food rules; officials distinguish the policy from a blanket ban as concern grows over potent 7-OH products. Mental Health Care: A judge has cleared construction to resume on the forensic mental health facility near Laurel, intended to ease a growing waitlist that has left people awaiting evaluations in county jails. Veterans’ Care: Montana VA broke ground on its first standalone dental clinic in the state. The Helena facility will expand capacity from four treatment rooms to 12 as the number of dental-eligible veterans has more than doubled since 2019. Rural Services: A $3.63 million state investment will expand care through 17 rural EMS agencies, including in-home wound care and fall checks. Prevention and Support: MSU is offering walk-in flu shots to students, while Wolf Point’s Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign has raised nearly $100,000 since 2009 for mammography services.

Veterans’ Dental Care: Montana VA broke ground on its first standalone dental clinic, an $8.2 million Helena facility that will triple capacity from four operatories to 12 as the number of dental-eligible veterans has more than doubled since 2019. Mental Health: Park County’s drop-in center has expanded to weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering free peer support and help connecting adults with services. A judge also cleared the way for work to resume on the state’s Laurel psychiatric facility, though residents’ legal challenges continue. Medicare Choices: A Choteau information session warned that Blue Cross Blue Shield Advantage plans will no longer be offered in Montana and that some rural providers may not accept Humana; enrollment runs through Dec. 7. Public Health: Montana flu season is starting early, with more than 40 confirmed cases and seven hospitalizations. A study that included Montana found fewer than one in four calls to listed in-network mental health providers resulted in an appointment. Rural Care: The state announced $3.63 million for 17 rural EMS agencies to expand services such as in-home wound care and fall checks.

Rural Care: Montana is investing $3.63 million in 17 rural EMS agencies, including plans to send crews into homes for wound care and fall checks. A new youth mental health center is also planned near Belgrade, while a Helena center is expanding dementia-care options. Medication Safety: A Montana mother is urging tighter limits on kratom products after her son’s death; Missoula County is moving to prohibit kratom sales in retail food businesses. Veterans’ Health: Fort Harrison VA Medical Center received funding for elevator, heating and cooling, and pharmacy upgrades. Community Health: Superior will host a free senior health and resource fair on Oct. 23, connecting older adults and caregivers with local support. Health Policy: Candidates in Senate District 8 are debating health care costs, with incumbent Tyson Running Wolf citing support for Medicaid and affordable care initiatives.

Medication Safety: The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Montanans can drop off unused prescriptions at participating sites to help prevent misuse and accidental poisonings. Rural Care: Montana is investing $3.63 million in 17 rural EMS agencies, including plans to send crews into homes for wound care and fall checks. Youth Mental Health: A new youth mental health center is planned near Belgrade as Montana faces a growing need for behavioral health services; a Bozeman educator also ran a marathon fundraiser for youth depression support. Community Health: A new Helena center aims to expand dementia care, while a Helena hospital has limited visitors as flu cases bring more patients in. Access and Affordability: A Senate Finance Committee report warns that private contractors may profit from Medicaid work requirements as states prepare to implement them, raising concerns about errors that could disrupt coverage.

Rural Care: Montana is investing $3.63 million across 17 rural EMS agencies to bring services such as wound care and fall checks into patients’ homes. Youth Mental Health: A planned behavioral health center near Belgrade aims to give children and families more local support, addressing a major gap in care. Dementia Support: A new Helena adult day health center will offer supervised activities and respite for caregivers, serving up to 20 people daily. Substance Safety: Missoula County will stop retail food businesses from selling kratom products starting Nov. 2; officials cite addiction risks and 29 Montana overdose deaths involving kratom since 2020. Coverage Costs: Montana’s proposed 2027 health insurance rate increases are above 22%, among the steepest in the country.

Dementia Care: A new Helena adult day health center will offer nursing care, activities and respite for families supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s, serving up to 20 adults daily. Youth Mental Health: Lighthouse Ranch is developing a 30-acre behavioral health campus near Belgrade, aiming to expand local care for young people; Montana’s suicide rate among ages 10 to 17 is twice the national average. Rural Care: A $3.63 million award will send Montana rural EMS crews into homes for wound care and fall checks. Glendive Medical Center also earned a statewide quality-improvement award for its work with rural hospitals. Hospital Services: St. Peter’s Health and Billings Clinic are consolidating services in Townsend, while a Helena hospital has limited visitors as flu cases bring more patients in.

Rural Care: Seventeen Montana EMS agencies will share $3.63 million to provide home visits, wound care and fall checks—bringing routine help closer to residents far from clinics. The state is also directing $8 million toward rural health gaps. Provider Access: Billings Clinic has stopped some gender-affirming care after a specialist left, sending patients to smaller providers. In Townsend, St. Peter’s and Billings Clinic are consolidating services. Health Workforce: Montana State University opened a new nursing education building in Kalispell. Child Safety: Montana’s attorney general joined seven other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT has exposed children to harmful advice and misled adults.