Public Health Publications
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
The 2022 Community Health Improvement Plan is complete.
The "community health improvement planning" process, or CHIP, is an opportunity to develop a common agenda for the entire community. It will help all of us to focus our energy and resources and support policies, projects, and programs that will be most effective in improving the health of the people we serve.
For more information about the Community Health Improvement Planning process, contact Damian Boudreau, Systems Improvement Manager, Lewis and Clark Public Health, 406-457-8908.
Community Health Report
The 2021 Community Health Report provides a snapshot of our community on several health conditions, behaviors and social determinants of health in the county, including cancer, heart disease, substance use, mental health, childcare, food security and many others.
This report forms the basis for the Community Health Improvement Plan, which will be released in 2022.
Every three years, the Healthy Together Steering Committee prepares the Lewis and Clark County Community Health Report. This report helps organizations, business, and local health systems identify areas of concern impacting their health and the health of their community. We need to hear from you! Tell us how you utilized or planning on applying the information from this report in your work or activities you are doing in the community. Your input will help us improve our next Community Health Report.
Past Publications
2019 Community Health Improvement Plan
A report on the top health priorities of the county, as determined by Healthy Together, a wide cross-section of community members representing various businesses, organizations, and government agencies. Also includes goals and strategies the community can use to address these priorities in the next 3-5 years. Priorities cover these broad areas:
- Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Substance Abuse)
- Early Childhood
- Access and Referrals to Services
A joint publication of Healthy Together, a community partnership to improve health in Lewis and Clark County. Includes information on demographics, length and quality of life, health behaviors, access to health care, factors that influence health, and health disparities and inequities. It also includes results of two community surveys about health and health care.
Public Health Guides
The following brochures produced by the health department are free for public use. Click on the name of the guide to download.
 | Bats and Rabies Bats can be helpful creatures. They eat tons of insect pests. But bats can carry rabies, and they can infect people with this deadly disease. Never touch a bat! |  | Wildfires produce smoke that contains dangerous pollutants. These can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. |
 | Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, work, or school. |  | While the focus during flooding is often on protecting property, don't forget to protect the health and safety of you and your family. |
 | Gardening in soil that may be contaminated with lead can create special challenges. Follow these tips to make sure the produce you grow is healthy and safe to eat. |  | Travelers and women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant are most at risk from this disease spread by certain kinds of mosquitoes. |
 | State law requires individuals to control and shield all junk vehicles from public view. Our Environmental Services Division can haul away those old junkers for free. |  | Mental Health Awareness Every one of us can play a role in preventing suicide and helping those in crisis. This brochure lists free and low-cost training opportunities available to all in Lewis and Clark County. |