AGP Executive Report

Foster Care Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Montana onto the federal “A Home for Every Child” initiative, aiming to boost licensed foster homes and kinship placements; Montana reports 1,749 kids in foster care, down from 3,300-plus in 2021. Behavioral Health Funding: Montana was selected for a four-year Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid demonstration to expand mental health and substance use care statewide. Health Costs Watch: A WalletHub report finds Montanans spend about 8.62% of income on essential medical services and medications—among the highest in the U.S.—as out-of-pocket costs rise. Care Access & Training: Touro University is adding a law school and a nursing program in Great Falls, while the University of Mary’s speech-language program is running intergenerational and adult learning communication outreach. Cancer Research: A new clinical trial reports a prostate cancer drug combo cut risk of progression or death by 52% in select patients. System Stress & Safety: Rights groups sued ICE over alleged “civil rights catastrophe” conditions at Camp East Montana in Texas, including claims of poor medical and mental health care. Local Health-Related Change: PacificSource plans to lay off 97 workers after exiting Montana’s individual insurance market.

Immigration Detention Lawsuit: Civil rights groups (ACLU, Human Rights Watch, Texas Civil Rights Project) filed a federal lawsuit over alleged abuse and unsafe conditions at Camp East Montana, the largest U.S. immigration detention center at Fort Bliss, after three detainee deaths since it opened; the complaint cites windowless enclosures, guard violence, and inadequate medical and mental health care, with a February inspection reportedly finding dozens of detention-standard violations. Montana Health Policy Watch: A separate report highlights how Medicaid work requirements are already straining state budgets nationwide, forcing added staffing, new tracking systems, and exemption reviews—raising concerns that health care and education funding may get squeezed. Montana Research Oversight: Montana’s biosafety lab is facing renewed scrutiny after reports of biosafety lapses and alleged “virus smuggling,” with a senator demanding an investigation into pathogen handling. Community Health & Safety: Missoula’s Orchard Gardens project spotlights how affordable housing, climate solutions, and local agriculture can support healthier communities, while a Billings teen suicide story spotlights rising need for counseling and suicide prevention resources.

Physician-Assisted Suicide Debate: Michigan lawmakers revived a “Death with Dignity” bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, but it’s already drawing sharp GOP and medical pushback. Montana Health Coverage Shock: PacificSource says it’s exiting all Montana insurance markets—ACA plans, employer coverage, and Medicare Advantage—leaving about 42,000 members scrambling for new options by Dec. 31, 2026. Behavioral Health Funding: Montana secured federal dollars to expand behavioral health clinics statewide, aiming to boost access where services are thin. ICE Detention Lawsuit: Civil rights groups sued ICE over alleged “inhumane” conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, including medical neglect, violence, disease outbreaks, and unsafe living conditions. Montana Lab Scrutiny: Sen. Tim Sheehy asked for an HHS inspector general review of Rocky Mountain Laboratories after reports of a monkey bite involving a deadly virus strain and claims of safety lapses. Water Safety Concern: PFAS “forever chemicals” were reported in Montana fish across major waterways, raising health worries for anglers and families. Local Support Events: Billings hosted a Bridging Montana Expo to connect residents with housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health resources. Suicide Prevention Focus: Family and friends of a Billings teen who died by suicide are pushing for more counseling and local support, including a June 6 awareness car show.

Behavioral Health Funding: Montana has been selected for federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid funding, aiming to expand mental health and substance use care through local clinics with a longer-term payment model. Suicide Prevention Push: In Billings, family and friends of a teen who died by suicide are urging more counseling and prevention resources, organizing a free “Fueling Hope” car show fundraiser. Insurance Shake-Up: PacificSource says it’s shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members scrambling for coverage options starting in 2027. Lab Safety Scrutiny: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy is calling for an HHS inspector general review after reports of a lab worker bitten by a monkey infected with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever at Rocky Mountain Laboratories. PFAS Water Concerns: New state findings report “forever chemicals” in Montana fish across major waterways, raising health worries for people who eat local catch. Detention Conditions Lawsuit: Civil rights groups filed suit over alleged medical neglect, violence, and disease outbreaks at Camp East Montana in El Paso, with plaintiffs seeking class-action relief. Community Health Access: A Billings expo brought together housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health services in one place to reduce barriers for families. Wellness Events: Bozeman hosted a Wellness Expo connecting residents with local holistic health resources. Rural Stress: Drought pressure is forcing north-central Montana ranchers to make tough hay decisions, including earlier feed planning and potential cattle sales.

Lawsuit Over ICE Camp East Montana: ACLU of Texas and partners filed a class action seeking to halt ICE operations at Camp East Montana, alleging severe medical neglect, violent force, unsafe solitary confinement practices, poor food, disease outbreaks, and unsanitary conditions at the nation’s largest immigration detention facility. Suicide Spike in ICE Custody: An AP investigation reports an alarming rise in detainee suicides since 2025, raising concerns about oversight and mental health care failures. Montana Behavioral Health Funding: Montana was selected for a four-year Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid demonstration, aiming to expand mental health and substance use services with 24/7 crisis support and faster outpatient access. Fort Harrison VA Upgrades: The Fort Harrison VA Medical Center received FY2026 non-recurring maintenance funding for projects including surgical room renovations, chiller replacements, nurse call systems, and pharmacy clean room updates. Women’s Prison Trafficking Survey: Montana’s women’s prison is conducting a survey to identify inmates who may have experienced trafficking, highlighting advocates’ concerns about widespread harm behind bars. Snake Safety as Weather Warms: Experts warn hikers that warmer conditions mean more snake encounters and urge staying on trails and keeping distance. Local Health Alerts: Libby police warn families about the dangerous “Benadryl Challenge,” urging parents to talk to kids before it leads to medical emergencies. Medicaid Work Rules Pressure: Montana is preparing to implement Medicaid work requirements, with analysts warning the state may struggle to carry out checks without disrupting coverage.

Behavioral Health Boost: Montana was picked as one of 10 states for a four-year Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid program, aiming to expand mental health and substance use care with 24/7 crisis services and faster outpatient access. Medicaid Pressure on Coverage: Montana is set to test federal Medicaid work rules July 1, raising concerns about whether cash-strapped state systems can keep eligible adults covered while budgets are already strained. VA Facility Upgrades: Fort Harrison VA Medical Center received new non-recurring maintenance funding for projects including surgical room renovations, chiller replacements, nurse call upgrades, and interior wayfinding. Public Health in Prisons: A new survey effort at Montana’s women’s prison is trying to identify trafficking victims, as advocates say trafficking is widespread behind bars. Safety Alerts: Libby police warned families about the dangerous “Benadryl Challenge,” while warmer weather is bringing more snake encounters on Montana trails—experts urge hikers to stay on marked paths and keep distance. Community Health & Access: A nonprofit in Montana is reducing barriers with therapy scholarships, and local providers are expanding mental health education and support.

DHS Custody Deaths: NPR reports migrant deaths in federal DHS custody hit an all-time high this year, with suicides rising sharply as detention numbers climb. NIH Biosafety Review: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy asks for an Inspector General review of a Montana NIH lab studying deadly pathogens after alleged biosafety failures. Medicaid & Access: New reporting highlights how Medicaid spending and billing are shifting in Montana communities, underscoring ongoing pressure on local care delivery. SNAP Restrictions: Research warns SNAP waivers targeting soda, candy, and energy drinks could drive about $830M in sales losses across states, with Montana among those seeking waivers. End-of-Life Policy Debate: Michigan lawmakers revive a “Death with Dignity” push, while medical groups and ethics bodies continue to oppose physician-assisted suicide. Autism-Friendly Travel: Billings KOA Holiday renews its Certified Autism Center designation and adds a Sensory Safe Cabin for sensory-sensitive campers. Water & Health: A Big Wood River report flags low streamflow and potential summer oxygen stress for fish, urging anglers to watch conditions. Community Food Support: Farm Connect Montana promotes Double SNAP Dollars and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition to help Montanans access fresh food. Healthcare Coverage Worry: A national analysis says millions could lose health insurance as ACA/Medicaid changes take effect.

Medicaid spending spikes in Montana communities: New federal spending data show Dillon providers billed $32,554 for Medical and Surgical Supplies in 2024 (up 3,411.8% from 2023), Choteau saw a 41.2% jump in Pathology and Laboratory Procedures ($1,031), Deer Lodge’s Radiology Procedures rose 34% ($898), and Poplar’s Medicine Services and Procedures climbed 54.4% ($4,659). Behavioral health funding expansion: HHS/CMS added Montana to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, aiming to expand access to mental health and substance use treatment. ICE detention health concerns: An AP investigation reports an alarming rise in suicides among ICE detainees, while separate reporting highlights overdoses at ICE’s Camp East Montana in El Paso and hunger/labor strikes tied to conditions. Local health access for animals: The Humane Society of Western Montana is expanding veterinary clinics across Blackfeet Nation, including vaccines and spay/neuter services, supported by the Slootman Family Fund. Food insecurity help in Bozeman: The city’s “Food for Fines” program lets people pay off outstanding fines with nonperishable food for the local food bank. Rural workforce pipeline: Gov. Gianforte’s Hi-Line tour highlighted a Certified Medical Assistant apprenticeship program that just graduated its first cohort. Wildlife and health-adjacent land fights: Conservation groups filed a federal notice of intent to sue over USFS Red Lodge Fuels and Burnt Mountain projects, arguing habitat harm to species like grizzlies and lynx.

Rural Health Funding: Montana is set to benefit from the new federal Rural Health Transformation Program, with more than $233 million in first-year funding aimed at helping states redesign and strengthen rural care. Long-Term Care Costs: A new national map shows nursing home costs are soaring, with Alaska topping nearly $334K a year and the widening gap driven by staffing shortages and an aging population. Emergency Preparedness in Libraries: The Trust for Montana Libraries is installing AEDs and other first-aid supplies in rural libraries, including child-sized padding, Narcan, and “Stop-the-Bleed” kits. Suicide Prevention Push: After a Billings teen suicide, family and friends are calling for more counseling and resources, backing a June 6 “Fueling Hope” car show with local donations. Affordability Pressure: A Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll finds many residents are struggling to afford healthcare, fuel, and groceries, with gas costs a major stressor. Public Health Oversight: Sen. Tim Sheehy is demanding an HHS Inspector General investigation into alleged biosafety lapses at NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton. Local Health Access: Billings Clinic’s metabolic and bariatric program earned national recognition, highlighting long-term support for obesity-related conditions.

Indigenous Health Workforce: Montana’s Area Health Education Center network adds its first American Indian AHEC, hosted by Aaniiih Nakoda College on the Fort Belknap Reservation, aiming to expand culturally responsive training and recruitment. Rural Emergency Readiness: The Trust for Montana Libraries is installing AEDs, child-sized supplies, Narcan, and “Stop-the-Bleed” kits in libraries statewide, with a June 9 open house for a new sensory room at Ross Library. Obesity Care Spotlight: Billings Clinic’s metabolic and bariatric program earned national reaccreditation, highlighting long-term support after bariatric surgery for patients facing serious obesity-related conditions. Mental Health in the Community: Family and friends of a Billings teen who died by suicide are pushing for more local counseling and suicide-prevention resources, including a June 6 awareness car show. Insurance Access Watch: PacificSource says it’s exiting the ACA individual market and leaving Montana entirely, with existing contracts honored but transition timelines varying. Affordability Pressure: A Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll finds many residents struggling most with healthcare, fuel, and groceries as inflation bites. Public Health Safety Supplies: Libraries across Montana are also receiving life-saving emergency equipment as part of a statewide push to improve response times.

Medicaid Shake-Up: Montana is moving to enforce Trump’s Medicaid work rules early, but clinicians and patient advocates warn the state’s budget strain could mean more people lose coverage and fewer providers can serve those who stay. Insurance Access: PacificSource says it’s exiting the ACA individual market in all states and leaving Montana entirely, with no immediate coverage changes for members but varying transition timelines. Mental Health in Detention: An AP investigation reports ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an “alarming” rate, raising concerns about oversight and access to mental health care. Food Benefits Update: Montana is among states starting Summer EBT/SUN Bucks in June, while separate reporting highlights broader SNAP restrictions on candy and soda spreading in other states. Local Health & Aging: White Oak Health Campus in Monticello is hosting an open house to showcase renovations at the senior living and rehab facility. Precision Oncology Growth: A Montana precision oncology firm, Alercell, appointed Jason A. Yager to its advisory board as it builds toward a flagship clinic in Bozeman.

Suicide in ICE custody: An AP investigation says ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an “alarming” rate, including a Missouri case where a detainee’s mental health request was delayed while he was isolated and sick. Animal welfare strain: Montana shelters are feeling the ripple effects of a large neglect seizure near Corvallis, forcing groups to pause intake as medical care, housing, and foster needs pile up. SNAP rule change: Montana’s SNAP waiver is approved to block soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and other “junk food” purchases. Courtroom health fight: A federal appeals panel tossed a judge’s order that would have forced the EPA to revisit fluoride limits for drinking water, saying the lower court overstepped. Local safety: East Helena parents are pushing for crosswalk and traffic changes after a first-grader was hit by a vehicle near Prickly Pear Elementary. Corrections training: Montana DOC is now hosting required officer basic training on site at Montana State Prison to clear a backlog.

Workforce Pipeline: Sidney High senior Josh Pollari landed a full scholarship to the MedStart Camp in Billings, a grant-based program that lets students job-shadow across nursing, therapies, public health, dental, and more—one of the biggest applicant years yet (165). Public Health & Safety: Montana’s unemployment dipped to 3.5% in April while inflation rose, and Montana DPHHS is equipping licensed EMS agencies statewide with specialized tools to support children with autism. Clinical Genomics Risk: A new report flags variant misclassification as a growing danger as clinical genomics labs scale up next-gen sequencing. Community Health Training: Simulation in Motion Montana is bringing hands-on respiratory response training to Cody Regional Health, pairing hospital and EMS teams to practice rural stabilization and transport together. Wildlife Health: Lead poisoning remains a major threat to Montana raptors, with bullets aimed at other targets still ending up in the food chain. Local Spotlight: Bozeman’s Memorial Day weekend saw a fatal downtown shooting; the suspect was arrested and officials say there’s no longer a threat.

Maternal health & fertility policy: In a new push tied to the “fertility crisis,” CMS chief Dr. Mehmet Oz says the U.S. is “underbabied,” citing a fertility rate below replacement and pointing to higher maternal mortality in rural areas; the White House also signed an order to launch Moms.gov. Rural readiness: Simulation in Motion Montana is bringing hands-on respiratory training to Cody Regional Health, pairing hospital and EMS teams to practice stabilization and transport in real rural conditions. Montana land & access: The Montana Land Board approved a new procedure for state land swaps, aiming to resolve landlocked parcels and raise revenue for the school trust. Mental health demand: Netcare reports rising mental-health utilization, with patient paid days up 3.4% and plans for new Akeso hospitals, including one in Montana. Local history: Helena’s Poor Farm cemetery—home to more than 380 people—has finally been marked with a plaque after more than a century.

Courtroom Win for Big Sky: A federal jury unanimously tossed the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center’s lawsuit against Big Sky’s Yellowstone Club, rejecting claims the Yellowstone Club’s irrigation was impairing water quality in the Gallatin River; Cottonwood says it will appeal. Mental Health Capacity Push: Netcare says mental-health demand is still climbing, with patient-paid days up 3.4% in the first half of 2026, and it’s planning new Akeso hospitals—including an 88-bed Montana facility next year. Montana Health Access for Kids: DPHHS says it has distributed autism-focused “Carter Kits” to every licensed EMS agency statewide so first responders have specialized tools during emergencies. Wildlife Management: Biologists are finalizing a strategy to protect Montana’s cutthroat trout as drought and warmer streams threaten native fish. Insurance Shake-Up: PacificSource will exit Montana’s insurance marketplace by year-end, leaving members to find new coverage.

Autism Support for EMS: Montana DPHHS says it has distributed 472 autism “Carter Kits” to every licensed EMS agency and Quick Response Unit statewide, aiming to help first responders better support children with autism and sensory needs during emergencies. Child Welfare Update: Gov. Gianforte and DPHHS report the number of Montana children in foster care has dropped nearly 47% since 2021, with 1,749 kids currently in care. Cancer Care Expansion: A 14-year-old Huntsman Cancer Institute patient returned to help break ground on a $43 million proton therapy center expansion in Utah that will double capacity for patients from a multi-state region including Montana. Insurance Shake-Up: PacificSource says it will exit Montana’s ACA market and stop operations by year’s end, affecting thousands of members and forcing shoppers to find new coverage. Public Lands Policy: The federal Public Lands Rule has been rescinded, a move that could reshape how conservation and other uses are handled on BLM lands.