It is time for Yellowstone County’s wellness check
Yellowstone County is due for its wellness check, also known as the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The goal of the CHNA is to identify major health problems, gaps in services and other factors that may contribute to healthcare needs for residents in our community. Amanda Zimmerman, the program coordinator on behalf of Healthy By Design and the Healthcare Alliance, shares the importance of community assistance and how you can get involved.
The importance of clean air and quitting tobacco
Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day to show our support for environmental stewardship and taking care of the health of our planet. Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April each year, reminding us of the importance of planting trees and keeping our air clean. Jenna Solomon, the Prevention Programs Coordinator at RiverStone Health, emphasizes the harm tobacco causes on the planet and people, along with prevention being done in Yellowstone County.
Recognizing the value of volunteers
Volunteers at RiverStone Health are at the heart of our mission to improve life, health and safety every day. The volunteers at RiverStone Health come from a variety of backgrounds and life journeys. Sarah Rachac, the volunteer coordinator for RiverStone Health highlights the importance of volunteers and how community members can become more involved in the work RiverStone Health is doing.
Celebrating National Public Health Week
National Public Health Week begins today. As your local city-county public health department, RiverStone Health wants to say thank you for your partnership and support for our community’s health. Heather Fink-Stambaugh shares the importance of public health in our communities and the role RiverStone Health plays in keeping us all safe.
How to control your blood sugar to prevent diabetes
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that is an epidemic nationwide. In Montana, about 5,300 adults will be diagnosed with diabetes each year, according to the American Diabetes Association. Lucas Teynor, DO, a family medicine physician at RiverStone Health Clinic provides guidance on healthy changes you can make to help prevent diabetes.
Spring DIY plans? Make sure you are renovating lead-safe
Spring is nearly here – and so is the season of home renovations. Renovating a home can be an exciting project, but if your house is one of the 68% in Yellowstone County built before 1978, there’s a chance it might contain lead-based paint. Keri Perez, a prevention health specialist at RiverStone Health, highlights measures you can take to make sure you reduce your risk to lead exposure during your renovation.
How you can protect yourself and your family from measles
Measles is a highly contagious and serious viral illness once eradicated in the U.S. In 2025 so far, there have been over 200 cases and 2 deaths due to an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, as well as cases in 10 other states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Dr. Megan Littlefield, pediatrician and internal medicine physician and the chief medical officer at RiverStone Health, shares information regarding your family’s safety and your best defense against measles.
How food inspections work, why they matter and how you can get involved
You might not think much about food safety when dining out, but food safety inspections are key to preventing foodborne illnesses. Clark Snyder, an Environmental Health Services program manager and registered sanitarian at RiverStone Health, identifies the importance of inspections and how you can share your opinion on making inspection results more valuable.
The screening test every adult over 45 needs
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but the good news is it’s highly preventable with regular screening. Maddie du Pont, DO, a family medicine physician at RiverStone Health Clinic, shares the importance of being screened early and what options are available to you.
MedStart helps students find their career path in health care
Montana high school students with dreams of making a difference in the world of health care are finding inspiration and opportunity through Eastern Montana Area Health Education Center (AHEC), housed at RiverStone Health. Nikole Bakko, an outreach coordinator at Eastern Montana AHEC, provides guidance for students interested in health care careers.
