MEDIA & PRESS RELEASES

News outlets and the media can find recent press releases here.

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Press Release

Missoula Public Health to Host Documentary Screening Encouraging Elementary Students’ Safety in Digital Age

Lily Walsh – February 4, 2026

Screens are everywhere, and for parents of young children, figuring out healthy limits can feel overwhelming. Missoula Public Health is teaming up with Hellgate Elementary School District to host a free showing of “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” on Thursday, Feb. 26, to spread awareness about youth mental health and...

Press Release

Outdoor Burning Remains Closed in Missoula County

Lily Walsh – January 16, 2026

The following was sent by the Missoula County Fire Protection Association: Outdoor burning in Missoula County is still closed. The Prescribed Wildland burning season ended on November 30; the Essential Agriculture burning season ended on October 31, and the General burning season ended August 31. All outdoor burning seasons will...

Press Release

Public Health Officials Warn Measles Exposure in Missoula County

Lily Walsh – December 2, 2025

Montana public health officials are continuing to combat the first measles outbreak in the state in 35 years.Missoula Public Health (MPH) was notified that a person infected with measles visited Missoula on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. No positive cases of measles have been confirmed in Missoula County at this time.MPH...

Press Release

Health Officials Confirm Influenza Death in Missoula County

Lily Walsh – December 1, 2025

Missoula Public Health (MPH) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed an influenza death in Missoula County. This is the first death in Montana for the 2025-2026 influenza season. Health officials send their condolences to the family and loved ones.This season, there have been 234...

Press Release

Missoula Animal Services to Celebrate Shelter Remodel with Free Open House

Lily Walsh – November 28, 2025

Missoula Animal Services invites the public to an open house and adoption event on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate their newly remodeled building at 6700 Butler Creek Road. Attendees will get to tour the new space, meet adorable, adoptable cats and dogs, enjoy free food,...

Outreach and Media Professional Resources

Communicating about Suicide and Overdose

Media can be instrumental in saving lives, promoting resilience, dispelling myths and encouraging help-seeking. Media and communication professionals can refer to this handy guide to ensure your communication about suicide and overdose incidents is responsible and informed.

Included in the Media Guide:

Ideas for what to include
Things to avoid
Why images matter
Guidance specific to suicide
Guidance specific to overdose

Download the media guide