Take the May Commuter Challenge!

Only Rain Belongs Down Storm Drains

Would you get rid of old motor oil by dissolving it in your drinking water? Of course not! It’s hazardous to your health! And yet, many people essentially do just that when they toss toxic materials down the storm drain at their curb. Water that enters Helena storm-water collection systems is not treated. It flows directly into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and, yes, drinking. Find out how you can help prevent storm-water pollution.

From Your Garden to Your Table, the Healthy Way!

Gardens offer a haven from stress, a chance to exercise, and a bounty of wholesome fruits and vegetables – all of which can reduce your risk of chronic disease. Just keep in mind: When you grow your own produce, you become responsible for the safety of the food you harvest and feed your family. Learn how to stop harmful bacteria from contaminating your homegrown produce.

Emergency Team Recommends Earlier Pertussis Boosters

Parents of fifth and sixth graders should consider getting their kids a booster shot against pertussis (whooping cough) a year or two earlier than officially recommended, a team of health officials and medical providers has concluded. The local Health Emergency Advisory Team hopes the recommendation will help curb the current outbreak of pertussis in Helena. Learn more about it.

Board of Health Adopts East Helena Soil Regulations

The Lewis and Clark City-County Board of Health has passed regulations governing displacement and disposal of soil from the East Helena Superfund Site. The purpose of the regulations, which take effect June 1, is to protect the public health and control pollution by protecting soil clean-up work that has been completed in and around the Superfund site. Learn more.

Planning for Improved Health in Our Community

The Health Department has convened a community task force to identify public health priorities in Lewis and Clark County, as well as strategies and resources to address them. This "community health improvement planning" process will help us develop a common agenda for the community to use to set priorities, direct the use of resources, and develop and implement projects and programs that will be most effective in improving health.