Impact Reports & News

The Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center (MORH/AHEC) is supported by two foundational federal programs: the Area Health Education Center (est. 1985) and the State Office of Rural Health (est. 1991). These core investments allow us to operate as a unified office, collaborate effectively, and pursue additional funding to expand our impact. Explore how MORH/AHEC strengthens Montana’s healthcare workforce, improves access in rural areas, and fosters a healthier Montana through training and support.

US Department of Health & Human Services

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Programs

• Advanced Nursing Education (ANE)

  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training Program: Growing the Montana's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner workforce to improve care access for survivors
    •  Report

    • In the News

      • MSU works to increase sexual assault nurse examiners statewide | NonStop Local
      • MSU's grant targets increase in SANE training to support sexual assault victims | Yellowstone Times
      • Grant boosts sexual assault nurse training in Billings and beyond | Nonstop Local Billings
        
      • MSU grant helping train Montana nurses responding to sexual assault | MSU News

• Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW)

  • Rural Ready Nurse Practitioner Program: Training DNP students committed to practicing in rural Montana
    •  Report

    • In the News

      • A Community Lifelife | MSU News
      • Montana State nursing college receives $2.6 million to combat lack of health care providers in rural communities | MSU News

• Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

  • Montana AHEC Scholars Program:  Preparing future health professionals to serve rural Montana
    •  Report
  • Montana AHEC Regional Centers: Enhancing access to quality healthcare for all Montanans
    •  Report
    • AHEC Pathways Program Testimional | Watch Video

• Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET)

  • BHWET - East (Professional Track): Increasing access to behavioral health services in Eastern and North Central Montana
    •  Report

    • In the News

      • Partnership led by MSU College of Nursing and AHEC to train mental health providers for eastern Montana | MSU News
  • Behavioral Health Training Program: Expanding the behavioral health workforce through experiential training focused on care for youth
    •  Report

    • In the News

      • Missoula program helping people battling opioid addiction | KPAX News

• Nurse Education, Practice, and Retention (NEPQR)

• Opioid-Impacted Family Support

  • Montana Family Support Program: Preparing behavioral health paraprofessionals to support families impacted by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
    •  Report

    • In the News

      • Billings veteran hoping to use her mental-health training to help other vet | KTVQ News

      • Montana State receives $2.3 million to bolster mental health support workforce | MSU News

• State Office of Rural Health (SORH)

  • Montana Office of Rural Health: Partnering to improve rural healthcare access through technical assistance, resources, and support
    •  Report

• Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program

  • Community Health Support Workforce Training Program: Strengthening Montana's community health workforce in Montana through a up skill training and network support

• Rural Health Network Development Planning Program

  • Montana Rural Health Clinic Network: Supporting Rural Health Clinics by building partnerships and strengthening infrastructure to address common rural health challenges

• Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP)

  • Montana SHIP: Supporting Montana's rural hospitals in meeting value-based payment and care goals

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Programs

• Racial & Ethinic Approaches to Community Health (REACH)

  • Montana REACH: Partnering with Montana's Native communities for lasting health improvements through local solutions
    •  Report