The longer a person lives, the more likely he or she is to develop skin cancer and die from it. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Protecting your skin should be a lifelong habit. Check out these simple steps you can take.

We're offering FREE rapid antibody HIV tests through the end of the year. The test involves a finger prick and takes 15-20 minutes. You can come in during one of our regular walk-in clinics Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at 1930 Ninth Ave. Or you can call us for an appointment, 457-8900. Learn more about HIV.

If you live in East Helena and plan to garden or tackle other projects that involve moving soil, be sure you're aware of the Regulations Governing Soil Displacement and Disposal in the East Helena Superfund Site. You may need to get a permit if you intend to disturb 1 cubic yard of soil or more.

If you have an unsightly junk vehicle you'd like to get rid of, we'll haul it away for FREE! Just call our Environmental Services Division at 406-447-8351 to arrange a time. Learn more about our Junk Vehicle Program.

The number of county residents with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has been climbing for the past several years. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the most commonly reported diseases in the nation. They put people at risk for severe and often irreversible health consequences, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk for HIV. Yet they're all treatable and preventable. Learn more about the epidemic and how to protect yourself.

Is your well water safe? The Water Quality Protection District is offering water sampling kits at a reduced cost so you can find out. Annual well-water testing is the only way to know if your water is safe.  Stop by the City-County Building, Room 220 to pick up your drinking water sampling kit. For more information on the program, visit the MSU Extension Water Quality Program or call 406-457-8584.

Health officials have released a plan that identifies public health priorities in Lewis and Clark County and specific strategies to address them. The 2016 Community Health Improvement Plan was developed by a task force of about 50 people representing health care, social services, business, education, civic and nonprofit groups, law enforcement, and local and state government. "The purpose of the plan is to establish a common agenda that will help all of us focus our energy and resources,” said Melanie Reynolds, county health officer. “We’ll be most effective in improving people’s health if we all pull in the same direction.” Find the plan here.