AGP Executive Report

Hospital Patient Experience: A new national ranking finds Wisconsin hospitals lead on patient experience (4.06/5), while Florida, New Jersey and New York land at the bottom, using CMS HCAHPS star ratings. Mental Health Access for Veterans: The VA is expanding suicide prevention care through telehealth, offering specialized therapy to Veterans after a suicide attempt via VA Video Connect—aimed at reducing rural travel barriers. Air Medical Training: Life Flight Network opened a new Clinical Center of Excellence in Idaho to train clinicians across its multi-state service area, reinforcing emergency transport capacity for rural communities. Workplace Health Coverage in Montana: A strike at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Montana operations began Sept. 3, with the union citing disputes over health benefits and incentives. Public Safety & Care After Violence: In Bozeman, police report a stabbing led to a SWAT standoff and an attempted homicide arrest; the victim is expected to survive. Wildlife & Staffing Pressures: Federal Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped sharply, including a reported 40% decline in Montana, raising concerns about capacity for conservation and response.

Workforce & youth pathways: Gov. Greg Gianforte highlighted Montana’s 406 JOBS initiative on Labor Day, aiming to expand career routes through direct-to-careers, college, military service and entrepreneurship while tackling barriers like child care, transportation and housing. Suicide care via telehealth: The VA is rolling out a Suicide Prevention Telehealth Program for Veterans after an attempt, using VA Video Connect so rural patients can get specialized therapy without long travel. Air medical training expands: Life Flight Network opened a Clinical Center of Excellence in Meridian, Idaho, to train clinicians across its regional air-transport network that includes Montana. Mental health & social media safeguards: Gianforte met with students and families in Billings to push stronger protections for minors online, citing rising screen time and concerns about anxiety and depression. Human-wildlife prevention in Bozeman: Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff are acting as “first responders” as neighborhoods expand into habitat, with efforts focused on preventing conflicts before they start. Cardiac awareness: A Spanish-language health feature urges people to recognize atrial fibrillation signs, noting many patients are unaware until diagnosis. Labor dispute affecting care & benefits: Sibanye-Stillwater miners at Montana operations began a strike over proposed health benefit changes and incentive pay.

Telehealth Suicide Care for Veterans: The VA is expanding a Suicide Prevention Telehealth Program so Veterans after an attempt can get evidence-based therapy from home via secure video, aiming to close the rural access gap. Youth Mental Health & Social Media: Gov. Greg Gianforte met with Billings students and families to push stronger protections for minors as screen time rises and concerns about anxiety and depression grow. Child Abuse Training Gap: A Missoula pediatric hospitalist is urging action after Montana lacks child abuse-trained pediatricians, partnering on a telehealth network to improve early recognition in rural areas. Workforce Development: Montana leaders launched the Workforce Warrior campaign with tribal partners to spotlight Native career paths in skilled trades, health care, education, and entrepreneurship. Health Care Access by Air: Life Flight Network opened its first air medical training center in Idaho, expanding clinician training for emergency transport across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and beyond. Public Safety—Bear Attack Update: FWP says a Columbia Falls grizzly attack was a surprise defensive encounter involving a female with a cub, and the area will stay closed for safety.

Child Safety in Montana: A Missoula pediatric hospitalist is pushing for better child abuse training statewide after an infant case showed how early red flags can be missed in rural areas. Public Health Alert: Washington and Montana health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Idaho-produced broccoli sprouts; there’s no recall, but people are urged to throw out the product and clean surfaces. Workforce & Care Access: Montana leaders launched the “Workforce Warrior” campaign to spotlight Native Montanans in skilled trades and health care, aiming to connect youth and employers with local pathways. Rural Mental Health & Recovery: A Montana DUI reform story highlights how support, counseling, and sober rides can help people rebuild after felony-level DUIs. Wildlife & Community Safety: Updates on a grizzly attack near Columbia Falls say it was a surprise defensive encounter involving a female with cubs, with the area closed for public safety. Healthcare System Watch: A report says staffing at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has fallen sharply, including in Montana—raising concerns for conservation capacity that supports outdoor health and recreation.

Food Safety Alert: Washington and Montana health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to broccoli sprouts from Idaho-based Evergreen Fresh Sprouts; 13 people are sick in Washington (two hospitalized) with additional cases reported in Montana and Idaho, and there’s currently no recall—residents are being told to throw out the sprouts and wash any surfaces they may have touched. Rural Health Access: A Montana opinion piece argues that vaccine access matters in a state where care is measured in miles, warning that national skepticism about vaccines could hit Montana hardest. Workforce & Training: Gov. Gianforte and DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson launched the Workforce Warrior campaign with tribal leaders to spotlight Native Montanans in skilled trades and health care, including statewide resources like job expos and youth sessions. Child Safety: Logan Health Children’s Hospital nurse Sarah Wohlwend was named Montana’s 2026 Child Passenger Safety Technician of the Year for expanding car-seat education and providing seats for lower-income families. Wildlife & Public Safety: Yellowstone National Park plans a temporary Buffalo Creek closure and fish-poison treatment to remove invasive rainbow trout and protect native cutthroat trout. State Budget Watch: Montana’s FY26 spending totaled $9.8 billion, with federal funds making up 43% and health-and-human-services programs among the major categories.

Workforce & Care Access: Gov. Greg Gianforte and tribal leaders launched the Workforce Warrior campaign to spotlight Native Montanans building careers in skilled trades, health care, education and public service, with statewide posters and videos for schools and employers. Public Health: Washington and Montana officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to Idaho-made broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts; 13 are sick in Washington (two hospitalized) with additional cases in Montana and Idaho, and health departments are urging people to throw out or return the product since no recall has been issued. Rural Mental Health Support: The Redside Foundation highlights the mental health strain on river, hunting and wilderness guides across the Mountain West, pointing to loneliness, depression, suicide thoughts and substance abuse as major needs. Child Safety: Logan Health Children’s Hospital nurse Sarah Wohlwend was named Montana’s 2026 Child Passenger Safety Technician of the Year for leadership and a program that helps lower-income families get car seats. Health Care & Benefits at Risk: About 420 Sibanye-Stillwater mine workers in Columbus began a strike after contract talks failed, with union members citing rising health care costs and changes to deductibles and benefits. Bear Safety Update: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says a grizzly attack near Columbia Falls was a surprise defensive encounter involving a female with a cub, and the area will stay closed for public safety.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness in Montana: Gov. Greg Gianforte declared September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting how symptoms can be vague and how Montana’s shortage of specialized gynecologic oncologists can mean long drives for care. Food Safety Alert: Montana and Washington health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to Idaho-made broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts; officials advise people to throw them away or return them and to contact a doctor if symptoms hit. Mental Health & Rural Crisis Lines: A new report from Crisis Text Line finds suicide shows up in about 30% of crisis conversations from Mountain West states including Montana, pointing to rural barriers like fewer local resources. Workplace Health Benefits Under Pressure: About 420 Sibanye-Stillwater miners in south-central Montana are on strike, saying contract proposals would raise out-of-pocket costs and change health care benefits. Wildlife Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says a grizzly attack near Columbia Falls was a surprise defensive encounter involving a sow with cubs, and the area remains closed. Cybersecurity & Health Data Risk: Thomson Reuters’ court filing system breach may have exposed sensitive personal and medical information in Montana and other jurisdictions.

School Health Watch: Montana health officials say don’t eat broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC while a Salmonella outbreak investigation continues; Montana cases are already reported and more lab results are pending. Water Safety: Rossiter Elementary well testing confirmed PFAS/PFOA, and the district says specialized filters are in place while it awaits additional results for another school well. Youth Health: Montana schools and health leaders warn vaping is still a major concern, with about 1 in 5 students reporting recent e-cigarette use. Mental Health: September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, with Montana’s high 2024 suicide death counts highlighted and rural stressors like financial strain and extreme weather tied to elevated risk. Rural Access: Western Montana Transit says it has grown to 175 rides a week, helping rural residents reach medical, social, and food needs. Public Safety & Care: Polson Police Foundation opened a new office and First Responder Wellness Center to support decompression, training, and community programs. Wildfire Risk Reduction: The Flathead National Forest approved the Rumbling Owl Fuels Reduction Project to reduce future wildfire severity and improve forest health. Legal/Health System Oversight: Montana’s Supreme Court upheld a fair-trial ruling in a case involving a trooper injured during a 2023 pursuit, with restitution and medical costs ordered.

Rural Health Workforce: The University of Montana launched the state’s first university physician associate program, starting Aug. 24, aiming to expand access for rural Montanans by training PAs who can stay and work in-state. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: A new therapeutic skateboarding program, the Balance Project, is using movement and coping skills to support kids dealing with mental health challenges, while September’s National Suicide Prevention Month spotlights Montana’s high suicide burden and the extra pressures faced by rural farm families. Public Safety in the Outdoors: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says a Columbia Falls grizzly attack was a surprise defensive encounter involving a female with a cub, and the Cedar Flats trail area will remain closed; officials also urge bear-safety habits. Health Data Privacy: Montana court officials say Thomson Reuters’ C-Track system breach included Montana Supreme Court backup data, with some records potentially containing sensitive personal and medical information. Community Health Alerts: Lake Elmo in Billings tested positive for harmful algal bloom toxins ahead of Labor Day, prompting monitoring and safety warnings. Healthcare Access in Rural Areas: Partnership Health Center announced its Seeley Lake clinic will close this October, raising concerns about local access to care. Workforce & Costs: Montana’s state employee health plan is set to require members to cover more costs next year, adding pressure for workers and families.

Licensing Reform: Gov. Greg Gianforte received the initial report from Montana’s Licensing Reform Task Force, laying out 37 recommendations aimed at cutting paperwork and delays while keeping safety standards—especially for rural and frontier communities. Medicaid Access: Rheumatology groups are pushing back on looming Medicaid “community engagement” work rules, warning new exemption standards could wrongly limit care for people with fluctuating autoimmune conditions. State Employee Health Costs: Montana’s state employee health plan is set to shift more costs to members next year, with deductibles tripling and out-of-pocket limits rising—prompting concerns about whether workers can still afford doctor visits. Local Care Closures: Partnership Health Center says the Seeley Lake Clinic will close in October after the lease isn’t extended, raising access questions during peak cold-and-flu season. Data Privacy: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cybersecurity incident tied to its C-Track court case system, with Montana among affected jurisdictions and potential exposure of sensitive personal and medical information. Wildlife Safety: A bear attack near Columbia Falls left a woman badly injured, and parts of the Cedar Flats trail complex remain closed as officials continue the investigation.

Meta Settlement for Montana Youth: Montana is set to receive at least $89 million and up to $127 million from the Meta deal, with at least half earmarked for crisis intervention (including expanding 988 and youth crisis lines), after-school and summer programs, digital wellness education, outdoor activities, youth mental health, and training for medical providers on interactive media and body dysmorphia. Rural Clinic Closure: Partnership Health Center says the Seeley Lake Clinic will close Oct. 31 after the Seeley Lake Hospital District board voted not to extend the lease, ending access during the winter cold-and-flu season. COVID-19 Activity Rising: A new uptick in COVID-19 activity is being reported across the U.S., especially in western states, prompting people to take symptoms seriously again. Back-to-School Health Support: Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center and partners hosted a “Growing Stronger Together” back-to-school event with supplies and resources covering physical well-being and emotional care. Kratom Crackdown Talks: Montana lawmakers are considering restricting or banning kratom; a consumer protection bill was tabled, while another proposal to designate kratom compounds as illegal controlled substances is moving forward. Forensic Mental Health Facility Hearing: A new public hearing is scheduled Sept. 8 for Montana’s planned forensic mental health facility near Laurel after a judge paused construction and the state posted a revised environmental analysis. Bear Attack in Columbia Falls Area: A woman was injured in a bear attack on the Cedar Flats trail complex; officials say she was transported to Logan Health and the area is closed while the search continues. Licensing Reform Update: Gov. Gianforte received the initial report from Montana’s Licensing Reform Task Force, which proposes 37 recommendations aimed at reducing licensing burdens while protecting public health and consumer standards. Disability Voting Guide: A Montana disability-led coalition launched a free 2026 Disability Voter Guide with candidate responses on Medicaid/health care, housing, mental health, caregiver support, transportation, education, employment, and voting access.

School Health Staffing: Billings parents are raising alarms about school nurse shortages for kids with disabilities, saying the nurse-to-student ratio leaves families worried about medical emergencies during the school day. Federal Funding & Care Access: A new Montana report finds federal money made up nearly 43% of state spending in fiscal 2026, with Medicaid driving about $2B of the federal health total. Youth Mental Health & Safety: Montana is expected to receive $89M to $127M from the Meta settlement, with plans to expand crisis intervention, suicide prevention, youth mental health programming, and provider training. Public Health Alerts: Cascade County confirmed a bat tested positive for rabies, urging residents to avoid wild animals and get pets vaccinated; meanwhile, officials are also investigating a bear attack that sent a woman to Logan Health. Mental Health Facility Fight: A court halted construction of Montana’s proposed Laurel forensic mental health facility, ordering a new environmental review tied to water access concerns. Workforce Licensing: Gov. Gianforte’s task force is pushing licensing changes to help fill jobs in public health, safety, and welfare fields, especially in rural areas. Food Safety: A major tofu recall is linked to possible ink contamination from packaging. Legal Ruling: Montana’s Supreme Court upheld suppression of a toxicology report in a fatal crash case, saying the blood draw didn’t follow the law.

Rabies Alert: Cascade City-County Health confirmed a bat tested positive for rabies, urging people not to handle wild animals, to keep pets vaccinated, to seal homes to block bats, and to call a provider or the health department right away after any bite or exposure. Bear Safety: Montana wildlife officials are investigating a bear attack near Columbia Falls that left a woman with significant injuries; the Cedar Flats Trail complex remains closed and FWP recommends carrying bear spray, traveling in groups, making noise, and avoiding dawn/dusk/night. Rural Health & Access: Montana’s workforce task force is pushing licensing changes aimed at filling public health, safety, and welfare jobs, with a focus on rural and frontier communities. Cardiac Care Recognition: Logan Health hospitals in Cut Bank and Shelby earned American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” awards for heart disease and stroke treatment follow-through. Public Input: FWP is seeking feedback on its 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan before finalizing next steps. Food Safety: Hodo recalled more than 10,000 cases of chili crisp tofu after ink from packaging may have migrated into the food. Suicide Prevention Month: September spotlights warning signs and support resources, with Montana noted among higher-rate states.

Workforce & Access: The University of Montana welcomed its first physician associate cohort—24 students chosen from 600+ applicants—to help address Montana’s provider shortages, with training across the state. Insurance Oversight: Montana State Auditor James Brown launched the first market conduct review of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana in more than a decade, focusing on compliance in marketing, underwriting, claims, and policyholder services. Maternal Care: A new KFF analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures could mean long drives for Medicaid patients, with closures accelerating as reimbursement and enrollment change. Addiction Response: Helena organizations marked International Overdose Awareness Day with naloxone/Narcan training and resources for prevention and recovery. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA recalled Hood Chili Crisp Tofu in multiple states, including Montana, due to possible ink contamination. Community Health Housing: Housing Montana Heroes opened new veteran apartments in Missoula, pairing housing with supportive services like healthcare access and behavioral health.

Air Quality & Public Health: Republican AGs, including Montana’s, are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a decision upholding tighter EPA soot pollution limits—an effort they say is “politics, not public health,” while the original rule was aimed at preventing premature deaths. Mental Health Care Access: A judge granted an injunction pausing construction of a forensic mental health facility near Laurel, ordering more analysis of required water use before the project can move forward. Senior Health: Laurel’s Senior Center and MSU Extension are launching a free 12-week SAIL program (Strong, Active and Independent for Life) to help adults 65+ build strength, balance, and reduce falls. Child & Family Support: HUD Secretary Scott Turner joined Montana leaders to discuss housing stability for foster youth, highlighting a voucher program meant to help young adults avoid homelessness. Childcare Access: Mesa County is expanding childcare options by adding Centro sites to BridgeCare, letting families search for real-time Head Start and other openings in one place. Nutrition Assistance Policy: SNAP “junk food” restrictions in South Carolina are delayed after legal challenges, with new start dates pushed to November. Food Safety: FDA announced a large tofu recall (Hodo Inc.) affecting products distributed in Montana due to possible ink contamination. Violence & Community Impact: Bozeman police report a suspect was arrested after a crash and stabbing that sent a bystander to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital; the person is expected to survive.

Rural Healthcare Leadership: Logan Health Flathead Valley named Josh Neff as new president, bringing a paramedic-and-hospital integration background to lead Logan Health Medical Center and Logan Health Whitefish. Wildfire Health Risk: New research highlights how wildfire smoke and health impacts are increasingly an urban problem, with climate change expected to worsen both frequency and reach. Medicaid Drug Use Patterns (Montana): Small-town Medicaid billing snapshots show rising spending for non-oral drug administration in Choteau ($63 in 2024, up 142.3%) and Deer Lodge ($144, up 148.3%), plus growth in anesthesia in Billings ($7,549, up 34.3%). Medicaid Surgery Billing (Montana): Surgery-related claims climbed in multiple communities, including Big Timber ($27, up 58.8%), Anaconda ($1,663, up 6.9%), and Dillon ($783, up 46.1%). Foster Youth Housing: Gov. Gianforte and HUD Secretary Turner met in Bozeman to discuss housing stability for Montana foster youth transitioning out of care, tied to HUD’s Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence vouchers. Public Safety & Health: A South Carolina officer was killed and another wounded during a shooting tied to a reported domestic violence dispute.