North Eastern Montana AHEC
About Our Region
Eastern Montana is a region defined by its vast and diverse landscapes, encompassing the counties of Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, and Wibaux. This area features expansive plains, rolling hills, and significant river systems, creating an ideal environment for agriculture. The eastern part of the state includes Makoshika State Park and the Hell Creek Formation, both rich in dinosaur fossils. The rugged landscape supports both agricultural activities and paleontological research. The northern part of the region is home to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Eastern Montana is characterized by its agricultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and significant historical and natural landmarks, making it a vital part of Montana's economy and cultural identity. The primary industry is agriculture, with a strong emphasis on farming and ranching, particularly known for beef production, dryland farming, and extensive agricultural land use. Oil production also contributes significantly to the local economy, especially in Fallon and Richland counties. Additionally, tourism plays an important role, with attractions such as state parks, dinosaur fossil sites, and historical landmarks drawing visitors to the area.
Eastern Montana offers a range of educational opportunities and healthcare services to its residents. The region is served by various school districts providing education from elementary through high school. Higher education institutions in the region include Dawson Community College in Glendive, Miles Community College in Miles City, and Fort Peck Community College in Poplar, which serves the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Reservation; all three offer a variety of associate degrees and certificates.
Healthcare services in eastern Montana are delivered through Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), although two counties lack a CAH. A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHCs) across multiple locations, provides integrated care, including primary health, dental, and mental health services. Most counties in the eastern region have long-term care facilities to support the older adult population.
North Eastern Montana Area Health Education Center (NE MT AHEC) works to expand the healthcare workforce and improve access to quality care in rural and underserved communities. These resources ensure that residents have access to essential education and healthcare services, contributing to the overall well-being of the region.
At A Glance
Demographics
Population: 70,638 (6.24% of the state)
Square Miles: 42,480 (28.89% of the state)
Counties Served
Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Philips, Prairie, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, Wibaux
Health Professional Shortage Areas
11 counties are Primary Care HPSAs
15 counties are Mental Health HPSAs
13 counties are Dental HPSAs
Programs
Medstart
Multi-day camp that introduces rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to a variety
of healthcare careers. Curriculum includes hands-on activities, presentations from
healthcare professionals, job shadowing, and college prep information sessions. Students
stay on a college campus for the duration of the camp.
In a Box
Curriculum in a Box is a health and science instructional tool used in the classroom.
AHEC has. Each box has a theme (Brain, Heart, Bones & Muscles, Ear, Eye, Guts) with
a unique combination of hand-on activities for 4th-8th graders.
REACH
Research and Explore Awesome Career in Healthcare (REACH) is a one-day program hosted
at a local healthcare facility that provides high school students the opportunity
to explore the healthcare field through a variety of hands-on stations and activities.
Pathways to Health Careers in Montana Flyer
Our Pathways Flyer offers students and counselors a comprehensive guide to healthcare
career options at Montana colleges and universities, featuring information on certificate
programs, associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees.
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
The UAP program is an opportunity for nursing students to gain invaluable experience
and enhance previously learned skills under the supervision of experienced registered
nurses. Healthcare facilities benefit by having additional staff for the summer, who
will hopefully return for full-time employment after graduation.
Online Cerified Nurse's Assistant (CNA) Course
The CNA curriculum prepares learners for careers in healthcare under the supervision
of the licensed nurse. Learners gain the basic entry-level nursing skills to work
in the healthcare setting as a CNA. Theory and clinical study provide the necessary
information and skills needed in long-term, home care, and acute care settings to
take the Montana Department of Health, State Competency Evaluation Examination, which
is required for the Nursing Assistant State Registry. The State exam includes written/knowledge
(computer) as well as a skills portion.
Rural Nurse Residency (RNR)
The Rural Nurse Residency is a 12-month curriculum delivered via virtual and face-to-face
month sessions. Interactive presentations presented by rural healthcare clinicians.
Curriculum content will enable participants to explore and develop the skills of priority
setting, high acuity-low incident patient management, evidence-based practice, conflict
resolution, physician relationships.
Comprehensive Advanced Life Support (CALS)
The CALS course is an educational program designed specifically for rural health care
providers to meet their emergency medical training needs. It teaches an effective
approach to the care of critically ill/injured patients manifesting a wide range of
emergencies.
American Heart Association Training Center
(AHA TC)
AHA Training Centers are independent businesses that have entered into an agreement
with the AHA to provide CPR, first aid and advanced cardiovascular care training,
using current courses and products for either in-house or on-site training.
Safe Sitter
Safe Sitter® prepares students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather. The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use CPR manikins to practice choking rescue and CPR!
Staff
| Christine Williams Director |
|
| Jessica Klamm Outreach Coordinator |
|
| Julie Russell Nursing Professional Development Practitioner |
|
| Dorie Kenitzer MHN Education Department Coordinator |
|
| Lonna Crowder Nursing Professional Development Practitioner |
|
|
Lynsey Arthur, MSN, RN |
Email |
Host Organization
 |
North Eastern Montana Area Health Education Center (NE MT AHEC) is hosted by the Montana Health Network (MHN) since 2014. MHN is a Montana healthcare facility owned organization, providing products and services that make healthcare more stable, efficient, and cost-effective. MHN provides tools and resources that allow providers to focus on quality healthcare in the communities they serve. |