MHA’s vision is to become a Top 10 Healthy State. There are a number of legislative actions that could enhance the progress being made in the state to become “healthier.” There will also be legislation introduced that will curtail any progress. MHA supports legislation that will improve the health and safety of the state’s population.

Top issues and opportunities for health improvement are identified through:

• Community Health Need Assessments (CHNAs) conducted by hospitals, often in partnership with their respective county public health departments, and involving extensive community stakeholder groups
• Findings from America’s Health Rankings, one of the nation’s most comprehensive tools for evaluating the health of U.S. states
• Recommendations from the Montana Department of Health and Human Services’ Statewide Health Improvement Plan
• Research and proven strategies to improve population health

Priority issues and opportunities to increase population health include:

• Increase child/adolescent immunization
• Primary offense seat belt law
• Protect and increase health insurance coverage
• Expand programs to increase food security and promote access to healthier options
• Expand programs to increase housing security
• Restrict or decrease access to youth tobacco products