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