According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Montana has the 6th highest maternal mortality ratio in the nation. Racial and rural health disparities plague Montana’s health system with 52 of Montana’s 56 counties having at least one Medically Underserved Area (MUA) designation.

The Montana Obstetrics and Maternal Health Support (MOMS) program connects rural providers to obstetrical/gynecological, perinatal, mental health and substance use specialists to support providers. MOMS is a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)-funded grant to improve maternal health across the state of Montana.

The Rural Institute is the Research and Evaluation partner for the MOMS program.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of our Winter 2022 Early Identification of Deaf-Blindness webinar series, the Montana Deaf-Blind Project is pleased to welcome Dr. Tanni Anthony for our Spring 2022 continuation of the series!

The first webinar is titled Play as an Assessment and Programmatic Vehicle in the Early Years and will introduce participants to a play-based approach as a viable assessment model for infants and toddlers with blindness/visual impairment, and also illustrate how to embed developmental next step strategies into the play / daily routines of the young child.

Find out more and register for the Assessment and Programmatic Vehicle webinar!

MonTECH, Montana’s assistive technology program based at the Rural Institute, published its 2021 Annual Report.  MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans of any age with any disability.  Highlights include 857 people borrowing 1,784 pieces of equipment, 407 device demonstrations, and helping Montanans save nearly a quarter million dollars through equipment reuse.

Download MonTECH's Annual Report (PDF)