FACES OF HEALTH - Vol. 34

FACES of HEALTH

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

PUBLIC HEALTH STAFF:

Building a healthy community

Public health empowers people to improve their lives

Staff lead programs that build community and promote healthy lifestyles

RiverStone Health is Yellowstone County’s public health agency. Our public health staff works to prevent illness, promote safety and empower community members to keep themselves healthy. We would like to introduce you to some of our dedicated public health workers:

Teaching a class for adolescents who have been caught with tobacco or vaping products at school is part of the job for Alli Kieckbusch, prevention health specialist. “Knowing that my work has a positive impact on youth makes my job meaningful every day,” Alli says.

Ashley Miller, nutrition educator for Women, Infants and Children, is part of a RiverStone Health team that serves about 3,000 expectant and new moms and children under age five. “One of my favorite things is being able to help a first-time mom gain skills and confidence,” Ashley says.

“I became a nurse to work with people, build relationships and positively impact peoples’ lives,” says Chantel Dupre, RN, a member of our rural school nurse team. Chantel was honored by the Montana Public Health Association for her exemplary care for students at Huntley Project Schools.

Promoting safe routes to school and access to healthy foods are just two of many Community Health Improvement projects for Ellie Lanz, prevention health specialist. Ellie says: “I love being able to impact my community in a positive way for generations.”

HIV Prevention Services Program Manager Jace Dyckman works with people who

have complex health needs. “I like finding a way to see humanity in everyone, and leaving people with something positive, even if it’s a simple thing,” Jace says.

Kira Flagstead, Registered Sanitarian, points out that Riverstone Health inspectors focus more on education than regulation, adding: “My favorite part of environmental health is the education we provide and getting to meet people across our community.”

In addition to being the manager for Population Health, Sarah Music leads the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, which includes a wide range of educators, health professionals and community organizations.

“Seeing how my work can make a difference on a community level is really what drives me,” Sarah says. “We don’t always see changes overnight, but over time, we can make a difference.”

Heather Hoff visits young families at home for the Parents as Teachers program. The RiverStone Health Foundation awarded Heather a mini grant that covers costs of group outings and activities for the families. “I love building relationships and being able to see the family’s progress over time,” Heather says.

You can help support the important work of public health professionals through your donation to the RiverStone Health Foundation.

To make a gift in support of our public health efforts, visit RiverStoneHealth.org/GIVE

Alli Kieckbusch

Ashley Miller

Chantel Dupre

Ellie Lanz

Jace Dyckman

Kira Flagstead

Sarah Music

Heather Hoff

RiverStone Health appreciates volunteers

RiverStone Health volunteers contribute generously to a variety of services we provide throughout Yellowstone County.

Our Hospice volunteers serve patients and families in Yellowstone and in neighboring Stillwater County where we provide services to terminally ill patients in their homes.

In April we celebrate our volunteers as part of National Volunteer Month.

Sarah Rachac, RiverStone Health volunteer

Board of Directors

Bill Royer – Chair, UBS Financial Services

Carol Beam – Vice-Chair, Rocky Mountain Health Network

Drew Hedrick – Secretary/Treasurer, Century 21 Hometown Brokers

Dan Carter – ExxonMobil Billings Refinery

John Dorr, MD – Retired

Jon Forte – RiverStone Health

Ryan Nordlund – City Vineyard

Foundation Staff

Barbara Schneeman – Executive Director

Megan Irion – Senior Director of Development

Leyna Kingman – Development Coordinator

Beth Allen – Development Associate

coordinator, reports that more than 100 Hospice volunteers donated over 1,500 hours of their time in 2022.

We are thankful for our wonderful volunteers and for Sarah, our dedicated full-time volunteer coordinator.

Contact Sarah to learn more about volunteer opportunities: volunteer@riverstonehealth.org

Make a Gift

Visit RiverStoneHealth.org/GIVE

Stay up-to-date

Subscribe to our emails to hear about events and other happenings at RiverStone Health. Email us to sign-up: foundation@RiverStoneHealth.org

MT Endowment Tax Credit questions?

Contact Executive Director Barbara Schneeman

Announcements

Memorial Listing: Gifts given in tribute are posted quarterly at RiverStoneHealth.org/memorial

Opt out

If you no longer wish to receive communications from RiverStone Health Foundation, please call 800.398.9022 and ask for the Foundation. Contact us directly at 406.651.6555, or email foundation@RiverStoneHealth.org to opt out.

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There is more happening at RiverStone Health Foundation than can fit in this newsletter. Like us on Facebook to keep in touch

Volunteers gather for a photo at the 2022 Scrub Run. April is National Volunteer Month. Photo by Skoog Photography.

Sarah Rachac

10 th Annual

Westpark Village Plant Sale

Benefitting RiverStone Health's Healthcare for the Homeless program, the plant sale funds basic healthcare and hygiene supplies for those experiencing homelessness. Join us again May 12 th from 9 am - 4 pm at Westpark Village and get your Special K Ranch flowers and plants.