Who We Are

The Montana Public Health Institute (MTPHI) is one of 40 member National Network of Public Health Institutes working to improve public health in the United States.  MTPHI supports state, local and tribal public health agencies, healthcare and behavioral health system partners, statewide health organizations and community-based organizations to deliver effective public health programs and services.

MTPHI was incorporated as a Montana non-profit in April 2020. The decision to create the Montana Public Health Institute was informed by a feasibility study and design process that involved partners from multiple sectors over nearly two years. The feasibility study identified opportunities to improve the public health system, as well as services not currently provided by other organizations in Montana that could be provided by an institute. Based on extensive research and analysis, the study concluded that a public health institute could fill a critical need in building partnerships to address health-related needs in Montana and strengthen Montana’s largely rural public health system. You can read the full report, here: “Creating a Vision for a Healthier Montana: Strengthening the Montana Public Health System”.

What We Do

MTPHI strengthens public health system capacity by providing an array of supportive services to public health and partner organizations with a focus on rural, frontier and tribal communities.

MTPHI supports sound health policy and funding by providing neutral and non-partisan research, assessment and analyses.

MTPHI endeavors to respond to current and emerging public health needs in Montana.

Why We Do It

Vision

Healthy Montana communities supported by a cohesive, responsive and informed public health system.

Mission

The Montana Public Health Institute optimizes the health and quality of life of Montanans by strengthening the public health system through collaboration, leadership and the advancement of health equity.

Values

Montana Public Health Institute…

  • is committed to working with and within all communities, with a focus on rural, frontier and tribal communities

  • champions health equity

  • is non-partisan, data-driven and advances evidence-based public health practices and policies

  • engages with multi-sector partners to improve population health

  • leads where there is need and collaborates where there are opportunities

  • effectively stewards resources

  • utilizes innovative and creative approaches

  • is a learning organization driven by evaluation and feedback.