Montana Public Health Association (MPHA)

Mission

Seeking optimal health and working to shape public health policy for all Montanans.  

MPHA’s shared mission with the Association of Montana Public Health Officials and the Montana Environmental Health Association through Confluence Public Health Alliance is to unite environmental and public health professionals and amplify their impact on the health of all Montanans. 

MPHA invites all public health professionals and public health students to join MPHA.

History

The Montana Health Association was organized in 1918; one of the first four states to affiliate with the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 1919. In 1979, the name of the organization was officially changed to the Montana Public Health Association. MPHA’s original purpose was to educate and lobby legislators with the purpose of advancing and supporting legislation that enhances the health and safety of the population, and strengthen the voice of public health. Montana Public Health Association is the Montana affiliate to the American Public Health Association (APHA) which is the national voice of public health and champions the health of all people and all communities. They are the only organization that combines a 140-plus year perspective, the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health and a member community from all public health disciplines and over 40 countries. Learn more at www.apha.org. 

  • Individual - Standard ($50)

    Individual - Student ($25)

    Individual - Retired ($25)

    Organizational (non-governmental) - Dues based on operating budget.

  • Emily Colomeda, Past President | Public Health Director, Lake County

    Kristi Aklestad, President | HIV/STD/HCV Section Supervisor, DPHHS

    Niki Graham, President-Elect | Tribal Liaison, UM Office of Health Research & Partnership

    Todd Harwell, Historian | Retired Administrator, PHSD DPHHS

    Shawn Hinz, Treasurer | Retired VP Public Health, RiverStone Health

    Desiree Restad, Secretary | Evaluator & Consultant

    Vacant - Vice President Region 1

    Shannon Elings, Vice President Region 2 | Public Health Nurse, Pondera County Health Department

    Melissa Henderson, Vice President Region 3 | Director Health Promotion, RiverStone Health

    Shannan Piccolo, Vice President Region 4 | Health Director, Park County Health Department

    Kimberly Dudik, Vice President Region 5 | Director of Health Administration, Missoula Public Health

    Damian Chase-Begay, Tribal Liaison | Associate Research Professor of Social Epidemiology, University of Montana

    Kristen Bonner, Public Health Nurse Chair | Director Health Provision/Public Health Nursing, RiverStone Health

    Terry Ray, DPHHS Liaison | Public Health System Improvement Office

You are invited to join MPHA. 

Affiliate of

Montana Public Health Association is an affiliated association of the American Public Health Association (APHA). We have collaborated with APHA to grow stronger as organizations, to share expertise, influence, and resources, and to advocate for common priorities at the local, state and federal levels. APHA is the national voice of public health and champions the health of all people and all communities. It is the only organization that combines a 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.