Latest news with #DPHHS
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Deer ticks have arrived in Montana
May 23—Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPPHS) officials are alerting the public about the recent identification of a tick new to Montana known as Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as a "deer tick" or "blacklegged tick". State health officials report that in the past year three blacklegged ticks were identified in the state for the first time through active surveillance conducted by researchers and public health officials. The ticks were found in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Blacklegged ticks are much smaller and darker in color than most other ticks in Montana that might feed on humans. The presence of blacklegged ticks in Montana may increase the risk of exposure to new tickborne illnesses in the state. "Not all types of ticks carry all tickborne illnesses," said Devon Cozart, DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist. "The presence of this new type of tick in the state could mean that Montanans have an increased risk of exposure to diseases that weren't previously a threat in Montana." Blacklegged ticks are extremely common in Northeastern United States. Recently, these ticks have steadily expanded into other states. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus, hard tick relapsing fever, and babesiosis are examples of diseases known to be transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70% of those bitten by a deer tick and then diagnosed with Lyme disease will have a bull's-eye rash in the area of the tick bite. One tick collected in Dawson County was confirmed to be a blacklegged tick by Rocky Mountain Laboratories in 2024. DPHHS, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed in the fall of 2024 that two ticks found in Sheridan County were blacklegged ticks. These two ticks were tested by CDC and no pathogens that can cause illness in humans were detected, including Lyme disease. Currently, there is no known increased risk in Montana for Lyme disease, or other pathogens transmitted by blacklegged ticks. However, the risk of encountering a blacklegged tick may be higher in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Public health officials are conducting further investigation to determine whether these ticks are found elsewhere in Montana and whether they are establishing their habitat in the state. DPHHS will continue to monitor tick activity in select locations throughout the state and will adjust guidance as needed if blacklegged ticks become established. "Currently, tick experts do not think that the blacklegged tick is present throughout Montana," Cozart said. "These ticks could have been carried into the state by a host animal, or they could be active and reproducing here — we just don't know yet. We will be conducting further investigations this spring." The tick species most common in Montana at this time include the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. These ticks can spread diseases such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever. This spring, DPHHS is launching a citizen scientist program and is requesting the public's help in tick surveillance, especially in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Anyone who thinks they have found a blacklegged tick is encouraged to fill out an online form at is also on the DPHHS website and includes instructions on how to submit the tick for identification. Cozart states the best way to reduce your chance of developing an illness from a tick bite is to reduce your contact with ticks. "Preventing tick bites is important while spending time outdoors, especially when walking through brushy or wooded areas," she said. "Though tick activity slows during winter months, ticks can be active any time temperatures are above freezing. Any outdoor activity in any season that disturbs leaf brush (such as yard work or hiking) or contact with other animals (such as hunting) increases the risk of encountering a tick." To prevent tick bites, follow these tips: — Wear an EPA registered insect repellent ( — Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin — Check for ticks often and carry a tick removal device such as tweezers — Shower soon after being outdoors — Put clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes after being outdoors to kill ticks — Check pets regularly for ticks and talk to a veterinarian about tick prevention products "If you find a tick, remove it safely and quickly," Cozart added. "The less time a tick is attached, the less likely you are to develop an illness. If you have been bitten by a tick and start to feel sick with symptoms including fever, rash, body aches, and headaches, talk to your health care provider and let them know about your tick encounter." For more information about ticks and tickborne diseases, please visit: About Ticks and Tickborne Disease — Ticks — CDC.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Overdoses spike in Montana, according to state health department
Test strips like these are used to detect the powerful opioid fentanyl in cocaine samples. (Lynn Arditi | The Public's Radio) Overdoses in Montana are seeing another spike, and most appear to involve fentanyl, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services. Health officials are reminding Montanans that help is available for recovery and treatment. In March, Montana saw 95 reports of suspected opioid overdoses, compared to an average of 69 a month in 2024, according to the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The last time the state saw that number of overdoses in a single month was August 2023, DPHHS said in the news release last week. 'This current overdose spike serves as a startling reminder of the deadly consequences that fentanyl and opioid overdoses have for our communities,' DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton said in a statement. The agency said data from March 1 to April 15 this year include seven fatal and 132 nonfatal overdoses, and April is on track to have higher-than-average suspected opioid overdoses. Reviews of case reports indicate most overdoses involved fentanyl, but confirmation through laboratory testing is not always available, DPHHS said. However, it said reviews also show other drug use, including methamphetamine and cocaine. The health department has focused on increasing access to recovery and treatment programs, it said in the news release. The help includes $400,000 for 'Wellness Kiosks' to be installed 'throughout the state' and dispense fentanyl testing strips and naloxone. Health Department spokesperson Jon Ebelt did not respond to questions about which communities would receive the kiosks or the timeline for implementation. An earlier news release from the Governor's Office in August 2024 said Montana would install 24 kiosks strategically placed at community-based programs such as drop-in centers. The Governor's Office said the initiative aims to combat 'an alarming rise' in fentanyl and opioid overdoses. It said prior to 2020, the state averaged about eight overdose deaths per year, but in 2023, it saw 123 fatal opioid overdoses in Montana, the highest since DPHHS started tracking in 2009. A recommendation from the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission said pilot programs showed promising results in other states including Nevada and Ohio. A research study published in the Annals of Medicine in 2022 said the Covid-19 pandemic worsened the 'overdose crisis' but naloxone dispensers in Clark County, Nevada, helped. It said forecasts projected 270 opioid-involved overdose fatalities in the 12 months right after dispensers were made available. But it said just 229 occurred, 'suggesting an aversion of 41 deaths.' 'Communities should consider implementing public health vending machines in efforts to prevent opioid-involved overdose fatalities,' said part of the study. In Montana, money for the kiosks is part of the $300 million the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission is directing to improve behavioral health and developmental disabilities services in the state. The Health Department said cases in the most recent spike do not appear to be concentrated in any particular county or region, but most are occurring on major transportation routes. The counties with 10 or more suspected overdoses include Cascade, Flathead, Missoula, Silver Bow and Yellowstone, the news release said. 'DPHHS wants to remind the public that when someone is experiencing an overdose, the timely administration of the emergency medication naloxone may successfully reverse their symptoms and save their life,' said Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek of the agency in a statement. Naloxone reversal may only be temporary, so emergency response should always be activated in instances of suspected opioid overdose, DPHHS said. It directed people here for more information. Signs of an overdose include: Loss of consciousness or falling asleep Small, constricted 'pinpoint pupils' Slow, shallow breathing Choking or gurgling sounds Limp body Pale, blue, or cold skin Slow to no heartbeat 'If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone if it is available,' Dr. Cook-Shimanek said. DPHHS officials advise that, if you use opioids, make sure a trusted friend or family member is aware, ensure they know how to administer naloxone, and that you have naloxone on hand in the event there is an overdose. Source: DPHHS
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Committee tables bill to split health department
Montana State Hospital. Credit Keith Schubert Admonishing the Montana Legislature for being the 'enabler' of a 'pampered' and 'dysfunctional' health department, Rep. John Fitzpatrick said Monday it's time to break up the largest bureaucracy in the state. The Republican from Anaconda said legislators have been forking over tens of millions of dollars to the Department of Public Health and Human Services and excusing it from accountability, and it's time for a structural change. 'The problem with DPHHS is it's too big, it's inefficient, and the service quality declines,' Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick made his remarks in support of House Bill 851, which he said would transfer administration of state healthcare institutions and community-based programs to a new department of health services. But his arguments didn't fly with the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee, which unanimously tabled his bill the same day. The health department has experienced major and high-profile challenges, most notably the Montana State Hospital's loss of federal funds and decertification by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2022. However, during the hearing, members of the health community said the department is making progress, and a change would disrupt that trajectory. Douglas Harrington, state medical officer, said in testimony regarding the confirmation of the health department director, Charlie Brereton, nearly 50 different groups expressed support not only for the director but for the path on which he has set the agency. Additionally, Harrington said all seven health department facilities have stable leadership. For the first time in years, nursing vacancies have been reduced by 30%, and the agency is recruiting roughly one new nurse a week, he said. Except for one-on-one visits, he said patient costs are down 25%. 'The bill is highly problematic for us at a time when significant momentum has been achieved,' Harrington said. The health department annual plan for the current fiscal year — which ends June 30 — said the agency aims to implement 100% of required CMS recertification reforms at the state hospital in Warm Springs. DPHHS did not respond to a question about whether the hospital will reach that goal this year. Echoing the comments from many opponents of the bill, Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, said the idea to split the agency is so massive, it would need to be studied first. Additionally, Glimm said, the state is starting to see positive results. 'Frankly, I think if you rip it in two right now, I think that starts to tear apart some of the effect of what we have going on there,' Glimm said. Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, said he agreed. Emrich said the bill wasn't fully baked, essentially directing the governor to issue executive orders to finish it, and he moved to table it, which the committee supported on an 11-0 vote. Even if legislators resurrect the bill, it may meet a hurdle in the Governor's Office. At a press conference last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte said he would not comment on the specific bill, but he said generally, his administration is opposed to bigger government. He said splitting up an agency means two separate executive teams and potential silos that would make government less efficient. 'Those are principles that matter to our administration,' Gianforte said. The House had supported the bill on an 82-15 vote, and Fitzpatrick was unrelenting in his criticism of the agency in committee. He said the state hospital is not in his district, but it's close, and he gets frequent complaints about it. Fitzpatrick also said the health department has spent profligately because it has failed to properly recruit, and legislators have been complicit in 'shoveling the public's money out like water going over the dam.' 'DPHHS has burned through $71 million to pay for traveling health care staff,' Fitzpatrick said. 'That's $97,000 a day.' Most of the people who testified, though, said the bill would have negative consequences for the people the department is serving, although some said they appreciated the sponsor's hunt for efficiencies and his care for Montanans. Kali Wicks, with national mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, thanked Fitzpatrick for his interest in the topic, but said the bill had the potential to stop progress 'in its tracks' and 'create some issues with continuity of care.' Wicks agreed it might be time for a study bill if time allowed. Mike Chavers, representing the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana, said change is hard, and progress in public systems can feel 'painfully slow,' but HB 851 would derail momentum. 'We must oppose this bill, not because we're resistant to reform, but because we started to see the fruits of our hard work,' Chavers said. The agency's chief legal counsel, Paula Stannard, said the bill could raise a 'significant legal issue' depending on the way Montana broke up the department. Stannard said federal rules require a single state agency to administer the state Medicaid plan, and a split could risk federal funds if it created separate points of contact.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Glasgow couple halts court case centering on DPHHS taking their child as legislation moves forward
Photo illustration by Getty Images. An attorney who is fighting for a Glasgow couple's access to information surrounding their child being removed from a home in 2023 has withdrawn his latest filing, saying that an end-run by a current lawmaker could help cover up the Gianforte administration's role in seizing their child. However, that Republican lawmaker told the Daily Montanan he is simply taking what the Montana Supreme Court has said in ruling and codifying it in law so that no other legislator will have to take the state to the highest court in Montana just to get access to documents. Bozeman attorney Matthew Monforton withdrew a filing he made last week in a state court seeking records the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has surrounding social workers removing a teenager from Todd and Krista Kolstad's home because of concerns of suicidal threats. Authorities placed the teenager in a hospital for psychiatric care, trying to locate a longer-term treatment solution. When a bed became available in Wyoming, the Kolstads objected, believing that another state would begin treatment for gender dysphoria. The Kolstads' child identified as transgender, something they've said their religion sees as a sin. The Kolstads, instead, wanted their child to go to a Montana institution because lawmakers halted gender-affirming treatment without parental permission in the Treasure State. Though the fight over the care of the child ended when she was placed with her biological mother in Canada, the legal fight centering on parental rights and why the Gianforte administration had fought to remove the child remains ongoing. The Kolstads have gotten a sympathetic response from some conservative lawmakers who have pledged to use their access to the records, under a privilege in Montana law, to review the case. That includes Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, who took the case to the Montana Supreme Court, which later ordered the entire file that the DPHHS had be turned over to him for inspection. When the Kolstads used the same part of the law to request the same records, officials with the DPHHS turned over more than 2,400 pages of documents, but created a six-page list, often referred to as a 'privilege log,' of documents the state was withholding from the couple based on attorney-client privilege. The Kolstads, through Monforton, argued in court filings that state law doesn't allow DPHHS to withhold the documents from them while releasing them to Mercer. But as the case has continued to wind its way through the courts, Mercer, a member of the Montana House of Representatives, has introduced House Bill 690, which would change state law so that parents would not be entitled to those documents, but lawmakers could still see them. The bill has already cleared the House, and is still alive in the Montana Senate, where it will likely be heard during the second half of the Legislature. Monforton said that because of the proposed legal change and because the bill has already been successful, he was forced to remove his latest legal challenge, which has allowed the Gianforte administration to withhold records concerning the teenager's removal. 'It's clear that the records DPHHS is seeking to shield will implicate them in wrongdoing,' Monforton said. 'It stinks of corruption.' However, Mercer said the purpose of HB 690 is to clarify in law that parents in Montana cannot be punished for disregarding or disagreeing with a child's gender identity. Furthermore, the changes to accessing documents shouldn't be surprising since the Montana Supreme Court signaled that even state agencies, like the DPHHS, have a right to withhold documents that are attorney-client privilege, a gray area in the law now, which he said could cause other similar cases to be entangled in lengthy court battles. Mercer told the Daily Montanan that he inserted new language into the bill to clarify that. He said that even if parents are denied some documents the state considers attorney-client privilege, they can still challenge that decision in court. He agreed there may be cases where lawmakers have more access than parents to the files, but not much. He said that in order for a lawmaker to understand whether the state is truly following the intent of the law, they need all the documents, including attorneys' advice, to understand the decisions. But, Mercer also said those same sensitive documents could violate attorney-client privilege, which the courts often treat as sacrosanct, which is why he added language that makes disclosing the contents of those documents illegal. Monforton also questioned why the Republican-led Legislature and the Gianforte administration would allow a lawmaker more access and privilege than the parents of a child, especially since the GOP continues to emphasize parental rights. As Montana law currently stands, it allows for a variety of people to gain access to a Child and Family Services file, through the proper written steps. That includes file notes, interviews and other documents, and the law is silent about whether notes from attorneys should be included in the case files or can be withheld under the legal doctrine of 'attorney-client privilege.' Mercer's law would add a provision that would allow lawmakers, including members of Congress, to evaluate the files, including documents the department deems attorney-client privilege, access that House Bill 690 doesn't give to anyone else, including parents. 'This is the same party that supposedly values parental rights, and yet the Republican governor and Republican legislators are closing files to parents regarding their children,' Monforton said. Mercer said the change in the law reflects the different roles of parents and lawmakers. He said the parents need to know the details of their child's case, and that includes every document except those subject to attorney-client privilege. A lawmaker's role is to ensure the state is complying with the laws the Legislature passes, but that often requires inspecting privately and confidentially whether the state is acting based on an attorney's counsel. 'I don't think the courts would say that there's never any attorney-client privilege,' Mercer said. 'And this means if there's going to be a skirmish, it's going to be something over whether a document is privileged. It narrows the scope of what can be challenged.' Mercer also fought for the documents related to the Kolstads' case, taking the challenge to the Montana Supreme Court, which agreed that he could also see attorney-client documents, but only after agreeing to additional non-disclosure agreements. The state's Supreme Court did not directly tackle the matter in its decision, but noted in at least three different parts of an 18-page opinion that even though the current law is silent about documents the DPHHS has that it considers 'attorney-client' privilege doesn't mean the principle is moot. Mercer said since the unanimous five-judge decision, written by Justice Jim Rice, acknowledged that DPHHS had a legitimate concern, he was addressing those in the bill. Monforton also told the Daily Montanan that the Kolstads plan to testify at the Legislature when the bill gets to a hearing in the Montana Senate so that they can hopefully amend the law to give parents at least as many right as lawmakers. In addition to making changes to what information can be shared with parents and lawmakers, House Bill 690, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, would curtail when the state could intervene in certain child abuse and neglect cases. HB 690 would no longer allow agents from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to remove a child who is struggling with gender identity issues from a home for those reasons. In other words, disagreeing about gender identity would not be considered abuse or neglect, if HB 690 passes. HB 690 changes the definition of youth-in-need of care to specifically exclude cases where gender identity is part of the case. 'The term does not include a child who has been referred to or raised in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex, including in the making of related mental health or medical decisions,' the proposed legislation now reads. And, HB 690 would now amend the law to read that serious emotional or physical damage to the child does not occur when a parent cannot control a youth's behavior or 'referring to and raising the child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex, including in the making of related mental health or medical decisions.' Physical neglect and psychological harm and abuse would also not be applicable if parents wanted to raise the child 'in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex.' The measure passed the House on a party-line vote, 57-to-42. Before that it, the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee along a similar party-line vote, 12-to-8. In addition to making changes to what information can be shared with parents and lawmakers, House Bill 690, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, would curtail when the state could intervene in certain child abuse and neglect cases. HB 690 would no longer allow agents from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to remove a child who is struggling with gender identity issues from a home for those reasons. In other words, disagreeing about gender identity would not be considered abuse or neglect, if HB 690 passes. HB 690 changes the definition of youth-in-need of care to specifically exclude cases where gender identity is part of the case. 'The term does not include a child who has been referred to or raised in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex, including in the making of related mental health or medical decisions,' the proposed legislation now reads. And, HB 690 would now amend the law to read that serious emotional or physical damage to the child does not occur when a parent cannot control a youth's behavior or 'referring to and raising the child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex, including in the making of related mental health or medical decisions.' Physical neglect and psychological harm and abuse would also not be applicable if parents wanted to raise the child 'in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex.' The measure passed the House on a party-line vote, 57-to-42. Before that it, the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee along a similar party-line vote, 12-to-8.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State officials issue influenza warning; monitor bird flu
Feb. 14—State health officials are reminding Montanans to take precautions to protect against influenza infection. Montana is currently experiencing widespread influenza activity, with cases and outbreaks reported in 96% of counties around the state. Between Sept. 29, 2024 and Feb. 1, 2025, there were 5,791 confirmed cases of influenza, 317 influenza-related hospitalizations, and 16 influenza-associated deaths reported to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Each week, DPHHS publishes data for influenza on the Montana Influenza Dashboard, available at Vaccination remains the best form of protection against serious outcomes of influenza infection, such as hospitalization or death due to infection. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems and other chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death due to infection, but healthy children and adults can still experience severe disease. "It is not too late to get vaccinated for influenza this season," said Magdalena Scott, DPHHS Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section Supervisor. Several flu vaccines are available for Montanans ages six months and older. One dose offers protection for the full season (October — June). Montanans are encouraged to consult with a health care provider to determine their recommended vaccine options. To find vaccine locations, visit or contact your local health department or health care provider. In addition to vaccination, Montanans can also take everyday precautions to help stop the spread of respiratory illness. Those precautions include staying home if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your mouth anytime you cough or sneeze, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding contact with people experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness. Symptoms of influenza infection may include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and low energy. "If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your medical provider," Scott said. "Your provider may recommend that you get tested to confirm a diagnosis. Antiviral medications are available for individuals with influenza infections." Individuals having trouble breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new onset of confusion or disorientation, inability to stay awake, or other severe or concerning symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation. State agencies also monitoring for HPAI In addition to seasonal influenza, DPHHS and state animal health partners, including the Department of Livestock and the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), are also monitoring highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) (also referred to as HPAI or avian flu). HPAI infection is widespread among wild birds and sporadic outbreaks and infections among domestic poultry and other mammals have occurred in Montana since 2022. Across the U.S., 68 human infections with HPAI have been identified since February 2024, including one death. No human cases of HPAI have been reported in Montana, and no human-to-human transmission has been documented. Most human infections occur after direct contact with poultry or dairy cattle infected with HPAI. The risk of HPAI infection to the general public is low, and it is safe to consume properly handled and prepared poultry, eggs and pasteurized milk. However, some people are at higher risk of infection with HPAI, including individuals who work around sick poultry or dairy cattle, individuals who handle or consume raw milk and waterfowl hunters. Recreating or working in areas with heavy amounts of waterfowl feces may also put someone at higher risk of infection. Members of the public should avoid interacting with wild birds and only observe them from a distance, if possible. Waterfowl may be infected with HPAI and not show symptoms, however other birds and mammals are often visibly ill. Visit the CDC website ( for more information about HPAI in humans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture website ( for information about HPAI in domestic animals. For information about HPAI in wild birds in Montana and precautions for waterfowl hunters, visit the FWP website at
