Diabetes and Americans Indians

• In 2018, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) American Indian/Alaska Native adults in Montana reported having ever been diagnosed with diabetes.
• Montana has many culturally relevant and supportive Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support programs available at Indian Health Service, Tribal, and Urban Indian Health Center sites.
• Find out how the Special Diabetes Program for Indians is changing the course of diabetes in Indian Country for the better.

COVID-19 Vaccine

• COVID 19 vaccines are safe and effective with the most common side effects being pain or swelling at the site of injection or flu-like symptoms.
• Currently there are two different COVID-19 vaccines available. Both of the vaccines were developed using mRNA vaccine technology.
• Help keep your community safe. Find out more about your local vaccination efforts today!

Health Equity Advancement for Diabetes in Montana

• The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was significantly higher among Other/Multi-race, non-Hispanic Montana adults with a disability (25.3%) than those with no disability (14.2%).
• Recognizing and understanding the impact of multiple identities, intersectionality, is key to advancing health equity.
• The Montana Diabetes Prevention Program partnered with the Montana Disability and Health Program to form the Inclusive Health Coalition to advance health equity for all Montanans.

Winterize to Prevent Falls

• In Montana, 57% of reported falls (including ones on ice) are from stumbling, tripping, or slipping.
• Keep yourself from falling this winter by attaching ice grippers to the bottom of your shoes and use walking assistive devices.
• Learn how to prevent from slipping and falling during the winter.

Methamphetamine Use in Montana

• Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that effects the central nervous system, causing harm throughout the body.
• Approximately 1.6 million adults in the United States reported using methamphetamine in the past year.
• In 2018, 4,204 stimulant-related hospitalizations and ED visits to Montana hospitals occurred, costing $39 million.

Multi-layer Cloth Masks Recommended to Reduce Spread of COVID-19

• Recent studies demonstrate that a cloth mask can reduce wearers’ exposure to infectious droplets through filtration and mask mandates have an association with a healthier economy.
• Multi-layers masks made with higher thread counts were shown to limit the forward spread of droplets and block up to 50-70% of fine droplets and particles. Some materials such as polypropylene and silk may enhance effectiveness.
• Learn more about cloth mask use and how to protect yourself and your family.