As a state, Montana has the seventh highest rate of syphilis among women of childbearing age (15-44 years). Montana’s rate is nearly 30 times the national average, according to the CDC. Stacie Pannell, RN, RiverStone Health’s
So far in 2024, Yellowstone County law enforcement and other first responders have been called to 50 suspected overdoses, including one that resulted in death. Jace Dyckman, a prevention health specialist at RiverStone Health, explains how
Caring for children can be stressful, especially when parents or caregivers lack positive parenting skills or support from family, friends or the broader community. Kristen Bonner, RN, BSN, talks about strategies for protecting children by strengthening
Strong communities have strong families. Families are strong and healthy when they are free from abuse. Yellowstone Valley Children’s Advocacy Center coordinator Nichole Lund talks about Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is observed in April, which
RiverStone Health is the largest health department in Montana and serves the county’s 170,000 residents. It is our job to make sure everyone who lives or visits here is protected to the best of our ability.
Art in public spaces helps revitalize neighborhoods and foster social connections. RiverStone Health’s Community Health Improvement manager Amy Queen, who works on behalf of Healthy By Design, describes three new sculptures to be unveiled this spring
Recent floods raised awareness that Yellowstone County residents need to be prepared for such emergencies. Floods can happen anywhere, even with breaks in irrigation ditches. RiverStone Health registered sanitarian Deb Wines offers food and water safety
Each year, nearly 500 Montanans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and an increasing number of them are under age 50. Sheri Pope, a prevention health specialist with RiverStone Health, shares tips to prevent colorectal cancer and
Respiratory syncytial virus , a common illness that can affect people of all ages, can be more serious for older adults, pregnant individuals and babies. Dr. Courtney Honken of RiverStone Health encourages anyone who may be
The risk of a Billings resident contracting the new Coronavirus is unlikely, but not impossible. That’s why Public Health Services at RiverStone Health has been preparing since mid-January in cooperation with local hospitals, the Montana Department
Our director of Health Promotion was instrumental in introducing this approach in Billings Public Schools. A federal grant has expanded PAX across the state to train about 1,100 elementary school teachers.
During the last Legislative session, 12 Republicans and Democrats stopped an attack on a local rule to the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act.
Hospice staff organized a wedding for a couple who had been together for 35 years. After the groom asked the hospice chaplain if he could perform the ceremony, staff pitched in to organize makeup, hair, nails,
Healthy By Design project focuses on strengthening South Side neighborhood by considering models to support a grocery store, public art and neighborhood history
With prayers in Spanish and English, hugs, tears and a smudging ceremony, Billings marked the Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Rates of sexually transmitted diseases have seen large increases. What can you do? Talk frankly to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and about getting tested.
This Billings Gazette feature indicates the role medical residencies, like the Montana Family Medicine Residency, play in attracting physicians to settle in Montana. Of MFMR’s 129 graduates since 1998, 75 of the physicians are practicing in
Since 1998, the Montana Family Medicine Residency has trained 75 primary care doctors who are now practicing in Montana, easing the shortage of doctors in the state.
