State

USDA service centers open by appointment only

BOZEMAN – USDA service centers in Montana will continue to operate on an appointment-only basis during the statewide phase one reopening plan during the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced May 4.

Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing, and staff will work from the offices or online whenever possible.

Mental health providers recognized for PPE donations, access to services

HELENA – Mental health providers statewide stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic by expanding access to services and donating personal protective equipment (PPE), leading Gov. Steve Bullock to recognize their efforts April 30.

Plan to increase testing capacity outlined

HELENA – Montana state officials outlined plans to conduct 60,000 coronavirus tests per month April 29.

The testing ramp up will prioritize tests for vulnerable residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, tribal communities, and those with COVID-19 symptoms, Gov. Steve Bullock said.

Resources available to help consumers, food producers in COVID-19 struggle

The Senate has passed by unanimous consent H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The House is scheduled to vote Thursday, April 23 and President Donald J. Trump announced he would sign the bill into law.

Montana one of the few states in the country to resume limited census operations

The U.S. Census Bureau announces today that Montana will be one of the few states in the nation to resume update leave operations this week.

Montana HS Association officially cancels spring sports seasons

Montana High School Association Executive Director Mark Beckman officially called the spring sports seasons last week following the release of the state’s reopening plan. The plan gave schools the option of in-person instruction starting May 7. The MHSA had previously said that if students were not back in the classroom by May 4, the seasons would be canceled.

N95 respirator sanitation system available for healthcare workers

HELENA – Montana received a Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System to clean and disinfect used N95 respirators to ensure health care workers and first responders on the front lines have the protective equipment they need to treat patients.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced April 28 the state received the system, which will be housed at the Montana National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility.

Humanities grants to be available May 1

MISSOULA – Nonprofit organization Humanities Montana will provide nearly $400,000 in grants to the state’s museums, historic sites and cultural institutions affected by the COVID-19 health crisis.

Grants awarded to communities for food assistance during COVID-19

HELENA – More than $135,000 was awarded to seven Montana communities to address food access gaps related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Gov. Steve Bullock, First Lady Lisa Bullock and Montana No Kid Hungry announced grant awards to the Butte School District ($33,500), Farm to School of Park County ($50,000), Wibaux K-12 Schools ($5,000), Anaconda School District ($14,750), Montana Food Bank Network ($15,000), Box Elder Public Schools ($7,700), and Huntley Project Schools ($9,400) on April 24.

Directives issued to increase health provider capacity, expand health coverage for routine care during pandemic

HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock issued two directives April 21 to increase frontline health care provider capacity to respond to the coronavirus and expand insurance coverage allowing residents to access routine health care services while social distancing.