December 23, 2024

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

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

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Public Health Data 2: Using Data as a Communication Tool

The workshop will equip participants with skills to effectively use public health data as a tool for communication. Participants will learn how to translate complex data into accessible formats for various platforms, including social media, and how to create impactful infographics. Participants will explore successful case studies, practice ethical considerations, and learn strategies for engaging stakeholders through data-driven public health messages.

Presenters: Kelley Milligan - MPH & Linda Donahue - BA in Mass Communication

Date: 2/26/25

Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM MT

Where: Zoom

Register: MPHTC Portal

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Save the Dates for These Upcoming Trainings!

Public Health Laws and Policies & Engaging Boards of Health, Kim Dudik, 2/13/25

Making Friends with Excel: Your Fast & Easy Guide to Navigating Spreadsheets, 2/21/25

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

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Upcoming Wellness Offerings

Movement is Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Physical Activity for Wellbeing

This workshop explores the profound connection between movement and overall wellbeing. Participants will learn how physical activity can serve as a tool to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support long-term health. Through interactive discussions and practical strategies, this session will inspire individuals to embrace movement as a form of medicine for the body and mind. 

Presenter: Kayli Julius, Director of Wellbeing, Curry Health Center

Date: 1/8/25

Time: 10:00-11:00AM MT

Location: Zoom

Shifting Perspectives for Meaningful Change

We often hope for change in the new year and look forward to it. This seminar focuses on how to shift your perspective. This session will focus on tools designed to help with meaningful behavior change. This session will help you gain skills to manage your inner well-being and create a new mindset for the new year.

Presenter: Jen Racicot, MA, PCLC, NCC

Date: 1/22/25

Time: 10:00-11:00AM MT

Location: Zoom

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.

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

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Facilitation Foundations Course

The Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center would like to share their upcoming facilitation foundations course. They will have a Tuesday class and Wednesday class offering starting in January.