About Us
About the Rural Health Initiative
The Montana Rural Health Initiative (RHI) is a collaborative effort, sharing ideas and expertise to support communities in improving health. The RHI will engage multiple partners and create a dynamic network that links community-based health & wellness and prevention initiatives throughout Montana.
The RHI is managed through the Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center. The key components of the Initiative are:
- A highly interactive website featuring:
- Showcasing of local initiatives
- Calendar of events
- Technical assistance support database
- Links to health & wellness and prevention resources
- Regular communications via a listserv and e-newsletter
- Webinars and educational programs designed to improve the capacity of rural Montana health & wellness programs
Background
In February, 2008, Rural Health Initiative (RHI) partners convened a meeting of stakeholders including community members, academics, local government officials, health care providers, public health workers, Tribal Health Department representatives and nonprofit organizations to discuss the potential for a coordinated, collaborative approach to health and wellness in Montana. For one-and-a-half days communities and experts worked together to develop a strategy for improving health in Montana by linking community health initiatives with the expertise that exists in the state.
A principle recommendation stemming from the Rural Health Initiative stakeholder meeting in February, 2008, was to “create a network of health experts, programs, and initiatives in Montana.” This recommendation has led to the development of the RHI and this site.
The following partners have collaborated to make the RHI community a reality.
