Hill County Health Department

09/09/2026

Come get your coloring pages and enter our contest! You can win big all while improving your mental health! Doesn't that sound fun?

Stop down and grab some sheets and turn them in by 9/30 for a chance to win.

09/08/2026

Today is 988 day and September is National Su***de Prevention Month. When you're out and about this month, stop in at the local coffee shops that are taking part in promoting the 988 Crisis/Su***de hotline! They will be providing drinks with coffee sleeves provided through the North Central Montana Crisis Coalition (Hill County Health Department is a member of this coalition).

Thank you all for doing your part to save a life! Remember, you are wanted and the world is a better place with you in it!

Feel free to share pictures of yourself with your cups! We'd love to see them!

(Thank you Grace and Grit Coffee Company, Creative Coffee Co., 406 Roasting C. Cafe, MSU Northern Sub Coffee Shop, 5th Ave. Grind, Beaver Creek Perk, Hi-Line Perk and Coffee Hound)

09/04/2026

🎶 Courage in Concert 🎶

Join us for a special evening of music and community support!

The Havre High Symphonic Band will be performing a concert dedicated to encouraging open, healthy discussions around mental health awareness and resilience.

📅 Date: September 22nd

⏰ Time: 6:30 PM

📍 Location: Havre High School Auditorium

This event is proudly sponsored by the Hill County Health Department and Havre High School Bands. Let’s come together to support our students and promote mental health awareness in our community! ❤️🎺

09/02/2026

Hill County Confirms Positive Case of West Nile Virus in Local Horse.

State and Local Health officials have confirmed a case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a Hill County horse. Investigations indicate that the animal was exposed locally within Hill County. The horse is currently receiving care and is recovering.

While WNV is primarily transmitted between mosquitoes and birds, mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to mammals, including horses and humans. Hill County Mosquito District will be increasing their fogging within the area with the confirmed detection of WNV, and horse owners and local residents are urged to take proactive, preventative measures to reduce mosquito exposure and mitigate the spread of the virus throughout the county.

For more information on West Nile virus prevention, or local updates, please contact the Hill County Health Department at 406-400-2415 or call the Hill County Mosquito District at 406-265-4453.

08/28/2026

Our Environmental Disease Specialist (Sanitarian) will be out of the office next week (8/31-9/4). If you need assistance with a sanitation issue, please email [email protected]

She will be back in office on Tuesday 9/8/2026.
Thank you for your understanding

08/26/2026

West Nile Virus human case identified in Cascade County.

Multiple mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV around the state. Hill County mosquitos have not yet tested positive, however we strongly encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves.

The single best defense against WNV is bite prevention. To protect yourself, use the 4 Ds:
• DEET - Apply repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET, and follow the directions on the package.
• DUSK and DAWN - This is when mosquitoes are most active. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN STANDING WATER - Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drain such areas around your home (gutters, pools, tires, buckets, water bowls, etc.).
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY - Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.

NEWS RELEASE August 25, 2026

Cascade County reports first human case of West Nile Virus

Cascade County public health officials have reported the state’s first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a human. The last human case reported in Cascade County was in 2018.

WNV is a virus is primarily spread to people by mosquito bites. The severity and symptoms of WNV can vary widely. Approximately 80% of persons infected experience no symptoms, but up to 20% of infected persons can develop a mild illness called West Nile fever.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take steps to protect themselves. The single best defense against WNV is bite prevention. To protect yourself, use the 5 Ds:
• DEET - Apply repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET, and follow the directions on the package.
• DUSK and DAWN - This is when mosquitoes are most active. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN STANDING WATER - Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drain such areas around your home (gutters, pools, tires, buckets, water bowls, etc.).
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY - Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.

Cascade County W**d & Mosquito Division has been conducting regular treatments for mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes and will continue to do so in addition to ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts.

Media inquiries should be directed to Trisha Gardner at 406-791-9261 or Joshua Blystone at 406-454-6920.

08/26/2026

It's Coloring Contest Time!
September is National Su***de Awareness Month, and we at the Health Department want our community to show their Courage through Coloring with us!

All ages are welcome to enter! Yes Adults, that means you!!
You can pickup the coloring sheets at the Health Department anytime and bring them back by 9/30/2026.

08/13/2026

Our office will be closed from
8am-Noon for a meeting and inventory. We will open at 1pm.

08/12/2026

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Montana for the 2026 summer season. This increases risk of WNV exposure in humans and horses across the state – remember to prevent mosquito bites!

Active WNV season is currently underway in Montana. Across 29 counties in the state, mosquitoes have been trapped for WNV testing (including here in Hill County). When a group of mosquitoes are collected in one trap, they are referred to as a mosquito “pool”. During the majority of WNV seasons in Montana, WNV is detected in mosquito pools before the first seasonal cases are identified in humans or horses. Mosquito surveillance in Montana is an early warning system for WNV activity.

2 mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV in Roosevelt County this year. As of now, Hill County mosquitos have not tested positive.

08/12/2026

The Hill County Health Consortium is conducting the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) again and we need your help! Community canvassing and interviews are happening this week, 8/10 Monday - 8/14 Friday. If you're asked to participate, please use this time to answer the questions and help us understand the needs and strengths in our community. If we happen to stop by when you are not home, we will leave a door hanger. Please take the time to scan the QR code and take the survey. We cannot improve our community without your input!

To easily identify members: All Consortium members conducting the interviews will be wearing a tan public health vest with a Hill County Health Consortium logo on back with their name on the front.

The Hill County Health Consortium is conducting the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) again and we need your help! Community canvassing and interviews will be happening next week, 8/10 Monday - 8/14 Friday. If you're asked to participate, please use this time to answer the questions and help us understand the needs and strengths in our community.

To easily identify members: All Consortium members conducting the interviews will be wearing a tan public health vest with a Hill County Health Consortium logo on back with their name on the front.

We look forward to talking with you next week!