Community Health Alliance

06/03/2026

Last week, we celebrated the start of summer with students and educators at DeSmet School during their first Summer Kick-Off Health Fair. With the guidance of CHA staff, students explored sun safety practices and created their own UV bracelets!

The UV bracelets are made with beads that change color in sunlight, reminding you to put on your sun-smart layers—a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-rated sunglasses, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

You can learn more about sun-smart practices at communityhealthwmt.org/be-sun-smart.

05/29/2026

We are honored to partner with Brain Injury Alliance of Montana for their annual Big Sky Challenge Walk, Roll, Stroll 5k! We'll be tabling at the Meadowlark Pavilion during the event this weekend, so be sure to stop by and learn more about upcoming health and safety programming.

05/28/2026

We just earned our Gold Seal of Transparency from ! Keep up with our accomplishments on our : https://app.candid.org/profile/7469247/community-health-alliance-36-3627205

05/26/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and knowing the signs can save a life.
Use BE FAST to remember the warning signs of stroke:

B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes or trouble seeing
F — Face: One side of the face droops or feels uneven
A — Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
S — Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
T — Time: Call 911 immediately

Every minute matters during a stroke. Quick action can reduce long-term disability and improve outcomes. Learn more about stroke prevention and warning signs at stroke.org.

05/25/2026

As we reach the end of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re wrapping up our weekly series with an important reminder: skin cancer prevention is a year-round habit.

In northern climates like Montana, UV exposure still happens in every season. Snow can reflect UV rays, and cloudy or cold days don’t block them, which means skin damage can build even in winter.

Simple year-round habits help reduce risk:
☀️ Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even in the winter
🧢 Use hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing in every season
🌤️ Don’t rely on clouds for UV protection
❄️ Be extra mindful around water, snow, and at higher elevations
🚫 Avoid tanning beds year-round

Consistent sun protection in all seasons is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer.

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, Community Health Alliance will be closed on Monday, May 25.

We join our community in honoring and remembering the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice and for all who have served.

Our office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.

05/22/2026

Holiday weekends often disrupt normal routines, increasing the risk of children being unintentionally left in vehicles. As schedules shift and responsibilities change hands, take extra time to double-check the back seat, communicate clearly with caregivers, and keep vehicles locked when not in use. A simple habit can save a life.

Most hot car tragedies don’t happen because of neglect. They happen because of human memory failure. In over half of cases, a loving, responsible caregiver unknowingly left a child behind. It has happened to teachers, doctors, police officers, and more. The biggest risk is believing it could never happen to you. Build habits that protect your child every time you drive.

Learn more about hot car safety at https://www.kidsandcars.org/hot-cars/media-resources

05/21/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer, we recognize and remind everyone to review safe boating practices before the summer fun begins!

If you plan to enjoy a weekend on the water, remembering a few simple safety steps can help prevent injuries and save lives:

🦺 Ensure children wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket
✅ Carry life jackets for everyone on board
☀️ Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated
🚫 Never boat under the influence
📱 Bring a phone or emergency communication device
🌊 Check weather and water conditions before heading out

Safe boating means more time making memories with family and friends this summer. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!

05/20/2026

Saturday’s rainy weather didn’t stop the Community Health Alliance and Safe Kids Missoula led by CHA team from conducting car seat checks and providing free helmets with the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana during the Child Safety Fair in Thompson Falls!

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to join us, celebrate community, and invest in a healthier, safer future for local families.

05/19/2026

We are honored to partner with the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana in support of youth helmet access and childhood brain injury prevention. Helmets at this weekend's child safety event were provided through a grant from Safe Kids Worldwide!