December 10, 2024

This bi-weekly newsletter will provide timely updates, information on upcoming trainings, events, resources, and more!

Public Health Data 1: Data Analysis and Visualization Tools & Techniques

This workshop will highlight best practices for developing data visualizations for use in public health. Participants will review analytical techniques commonly used in public health data analysis, discuss ways to communicate public health data, and be introduced to platforms to help visualize data. Presenters will walk through an example of how to develop one-page data visualizations. Participants will receive templates and resources to support their own data visualizations.

Presenters: Kelley Milligan, MPH & Linda Donahue, BA

Date: December 11, 2024

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 AM MT

Where: Zoom

Register: MPHTC Portal

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Health Equity in Montana

This training session is designed to deepen participants' understanding of health equity and its importance in promoting fair and just health outcomes for all communities. Participants will explore the social determinants of health, identify barriers to equitable care, and learn strategies to advocate for systemic change. Through case studies, group discussions, and practical tools, attendees will be equipped to implement health equity principles in their work and drive positive change within their organizations and communities. Join us to empower yourself and others in the pursuit of health equity!

Presenter: Lawrence Jace Killsback, MPH

Date: January 7, 2025

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM MT

Where: Zoom

Register: MPHTC Portal

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Recruitment Strategies for Montana Public Health Departments 

Goal: How to recruit, retain, and develop a competent and confident PH workforce.

Learning objectives include:

1. Explain the importance of recruitment strategies to build a diverse public health workforce.
2. Identify state-wide recruitment and workforce support programs and strategies.
3. Discuss challenges facing Montana’s local and tribal public health workforce.
4. Analyze the health department’s current recruiting strategies and determine steps to expand or improve recruitment efforts.
5. Identify key skills for health department positions and apply job profiling to recruiting.

Presenters: Public Health Professionals from: DPHHS, ASTHO, Local Health Departments & SPCHS

Date: January 23, 2025

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM MT

Where: Zoom

Register: MPHTC Portal

The MPHTC Wellness Program is launching a new worksite Wellness Champions program. For more information, please contact Wellness Director Lydia Czech at Lydia.Czech@mso.umt.edu

Upcoming Wellness Offering

Practicing Mindful Meditation Through Sound

Instructor: Lydia Czech

Date: December 18, 2024

Time: 1 hour Training (Zoom) 

Intended Audience: Public Health Employees 

Register: MPHTC portal

The Human-AI Partnership: Unleashing the Power of Collaborative Intelligence for Traffic Safety

December 16, 2024

2:00-2:50pm MT

Zoom

In an era of rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we communicate, collaborate, and solve complex challenges. This presentation explores the expanding partnership between human intelligence and AI, highlighting how our collaborative power can revolutionize traffic safety communication.

Seminar Presenter: Steve Schmidt - Drive Safe Missoula Coordinator - Missoula Public Health

Host: Damian Chase-Begay

Public Health in the Schools Initiative

The Public Health in the Schools project is working to promote public health topics and careers in high schools across Montana. This initiative focuses on developing a comprehensive public health curriculum, showcasing public health career highlights, and organizing health fairs in select communities of Montana. Currently, the project is actively working to connect with health departments and recruiting schools to be part of this exciting initiative! Please email Kristen.Cram@mso.umt.edu for more information.

Call for Abstracts

Confluence 2025: Building Trust in a Changing World through Leadership, Communication and Technology

April 8 – 10, 2025 | Delta Hotel Helena Colonial

Helena, MT

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 20

Guidelines and Scoring Rubric

2025 MPHA & MEHA Awards Nominations are OPEN

Confluence Public Health Alliance (AMPHO, MEHA, MPHA) will be holding the annual public and environmental health conference at the Delta Colonial Helena, April 8 - 10, 2025.

The Montana Environmental Health Association and the Montana Public Health Association invite you to nominate coworkers, colleagues, fellow collaborators, or anyone else you know who contributes to public and environmental health in Montana. When public and environmental health work, the efforts behind the scenes often go unnoticed. Now is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate Montanans who are working to advance health in our state. 

Nominations close January 17. Questions? kayla.chipongian@cphamt.org