Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program

What is the Flex Program?

• The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program or “Flex Program” is a HRSA funded program that focuses on population health improvement with the goal of supporting access to necessary health care services in rural communities. 
• Eligible Critical Access Hospitals get $2,500 for offering two sessions of the evidence-based Walk With Ease (WWE) program to employees. Stipends will be awarded on a quarterly basis and in $1,250 increments.
• Funding must be used towards worksite wellness efforts that enhance Walk with Ease programs and cannot be used towards employee salaries or structural changes.
• The current cycle year begins on September 1, 2024 and a minimum of two (2) WWE sessions must be completed by August 31, 2025. Application due date EXTENDED to Friday, November 1, 2024.

Montana Walk With Ease

• The Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau promotes worksite wellness through evidence-based interventions to ensure that Montana employees have support and access to healthy lifestyle opportunities.
• The Walk with Ease program is a 6-week walking program for anyone who wants to start or maintain a low-impact exercise program.
• Participating Critical Access Hospitals will complete the Walk with Ease program training to adequately conduct the designated intervention, collect, and report required data quarterly. Learn more here. 

Access Applications Here!

Contact Information:

Melissa Dale
Arthritis and Falls Prevention Program Manager
406-444-0959
Melissa.Dale@mt.gov 

Jessica Kechely
Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Specialist
406-444-6873
Jessica.Kechely@mt.gov 

Healthy living can be achieved by everyone. Physical activity, healthy eating, and community engagement are three ways to build healthy lives. These things can be challenging if they aren’t accessible or enjoyable. That’s why we want to emphasize the importance of finding joy in the things you do.   

Check out the Joy in Healthy Living Story Map to find fresh affordable food, physical activity that’s right for you, or state, local and Tribal community health programs. The Story Map has resources on preparing healthy meals, inclusive fitness, chronic disease prevention, and Tribal success stories. Feeling good about moving your body, making delicious food, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community can help you stay motivated in living an active and healthy life.  

This web-based resource is provided by the State Health Improvement Plan and its partners to support healthy living for all Montanans. Share this page with your colleagues, friends, and family to support your community in living healthy. If your community program needs to be added, if you know of an outstanding resource that should be included, or if you want to share a Tribal/Urban success story, let us know in the “Contact Us” tab of the Story Map. We hope this Story Map encourages all Montanans to access community opportunities and find joy in healthy living.

In Montana, most infants (91%) start out breastfeeding yet only a third (34%) are exclusively breastfed at the recommended duration of 6 months, according to 2019 National Vital Statistics and National Immunization Survey data. This is in part due to policy, system, and environmental barriers which prevent many families from meeting their breastfeeding goals. Learn more about breastfeeding trends, barriers, and support systems with the State of Breastfeeding in Montana Story Map.  

The Montana NAPA Program recognizes that infant nutrition in a public health issue. Learn about the ways NAPA is supporting lactation efforts around Montana by clicking the below links.

 Montana birthing facilities can attain Baby-Friendly designation.

Montana worksites can receive Montana Mother-Friendly Worksite recognition.