Chronic Disease Prevention

Chronic disease has consistently been a major concern in Lewis and Clark County, as highlighted in recent Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans. The leading causes of death among county residents include cancer, heart disease, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. Notably, Lewis and Clark County experiences higher mortality rates from cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases compared to both the state of Montana and the national average.

Prevention-based programs at the health department work in partnership with the Healthy Communities Coalition to reduce the impact of harmful environmental exposures, advocate for accessibility for individuals with disabilities, promote preventive care and screenings, and encourage healthy choices and behaviors among residents of Lewis and Clark County. Those programs include: