Rural Care Expansion: Providence cut the ribbon on a new rural health clinic in Polson, opening Oct. 5 with pediatric care, behavioral health, and primary care—part of a $26M, three-phase Critical Access Campaign that also targets emergency department redesign and a future MRI suite. Public Health Alert: Montana and Fergus County health officials issued a measles exposure notice tied to an Amtrak trip (Train #7 westbound from Chicago Union Station to Malta) and a local site visit, urging anyone present to watch for symptoms for 21 days after the last exposure. Youth Mental Health & Substance Support: Kalispell City Council will consider seeking Montana’s Meta settlement funds for an indoor recreation facility, with at least half of the money required for remediating harm to minors, including youth mental health programming. Workforce & Access: A new Montana VA statewide flu campaign is planned, aiming to boost vaccination ahead of respiratory virus season. Community Health Advocacy: Billings high school students joined a “Ride for Their Lives” bike event to push for a cleaner environment, tying climate concerns to future health. Rural EMS Funding: Gov. Gianforte, CMS, and DPHHS announced an $8.7M rural emergency medical services investment, including new ambulances for Montana Rural EMS. Wildlife-Related Safety: FWP reported euthanizing 14 bears around Bozeman and Livingston after above-average 2026 conflicts, driven by healthy bear populations and weaker berry crops pushing bears into neighborhoods.