MT Dept of Public Health News

DPHHS Partners with Imagination Library to Promote Early Literacy for Montana Children

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced a partnership with the Imagination Library of Montana to promote early literacy. The Early Childhood and Family Support Division will integrate Imagination Library promotion into existing programs including home visiting, early intervention, maternal health, child care, and WIC. The program currently serves over 29,000 Montana children under age five, approximately half of the eligible population.

Montana Disability Employment Summit May 13-14 Helena

MT DPHHS announced the 2026 Montana Disability Employment Summit scheduled for May 13-14 in Helena. The free two-day event aims to equip Montana employers with tools for building inclusive teams through disability-driven innovation, featuring sessions on youth employment pathways, entrepreneur showcases, and workplace accommodations.

Montana Medicaid Community Engagement Resource Website Launch

DPHHS launched a new website at medicaidchanges.mt.gov to help Montana Medicaid Expansion members understand upcoming community engagement requirements effective July 1, 2026. Under H.R. 1 (enacted July 4, 2025), non-exempt adults aged 19-64 must complete 80 hours of qualifying activities per month to maintain coverage. DPHHS is conducting outreach via mail to affected members.

Montana Extends Pediatric RSV Immunization Through April

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) issued a notice on March 18, 2026, recommending that healthcare providers continue offering RSV immunizations to eligible infants and young children through April 30, 2026. This extension addresses RSV activity that began circulating later than usual and continues to rise across Montana and the nation. The notice aligns with CDC recommendations for the groups most at risk, including infants under 8 months not yet immunized this season and high-risk children ages 8-19 months.

Governor Gianforte SNAP Junk Food Restriction Waiver Submission

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte submitted a waiver request to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to restrict SNAP purchases to nutritious foods, limiting purchases of soft drinks, candy, and junk food. The proposed demonstration project targets approximately 20 percent of SNAP spending currently used on unhealthy items and aligns Montana with 22 other states. The waiver introduces restrictions on beverages exceeding 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces and establishes a standardized definition for candy and prepared desserts.

Strengthening Families Month Child Abuse Prevention Awareness

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced the kickoff of Strengthening Families Month in April 2026, a statewide child abuse prevention awareness initiative. The Montana Children's Trust Fund will distribute over 12,000 blue pinwheels statewide, with over 71 organizations planning events including pinwheel plantings, family carnivals, and educational workshops. A kickoff event is scheduled for April 3 at Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena.

Rural Health Center of Excellence RFP

Montana DPHHS announced it is accepting proposals for two components of the Rural Health Center of Excellence (CoE): one to create and operate the CoE, and another to assist rural facilities in implementing CoE recommendations. The CoE is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program funded by a $233 million first-year CMS award, with up to $1.2 billion available over five years.