Public health: Montana Tech clinical affiliation and $33,469 preparedness task order discussed

Lauren Bolton, Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County Public Health Director, presented two routine items: an annual clinical affiliation agreement with the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing at Montana Tech to allow nursing students to observe or perform supervised services, and a Task Order under the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for emergency preparedness in the amount of $33,469.

Bolton said the $33,469 award supports preparedness activities that help the local public health office respond to incidents and maintain readiness. In response to Commissioner Ed Beaudette's question about potential larger funding for upgrades to the Wells Fargo building, Bolton said the federal rural health transformation funds awarded to Montana so far have not been directed to local capital improvements and that most of the funds are being allocated through large contractors working on state priorities; she said the state must allocate those funds by year‑end and the county will continue to monitor RFPs for relevant opportunities.

Chairman Kevin Hart opened the floor for public comment on the clinical affiliation and none was offered. The Commission placed the clinical affiliation and task order on the agenda for administrative processing; no formal vote was recorded at the work session.