MEDIA & PRESS RELEASES

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

If you’re looking to interview a staff member or seeking seeking older press releases from Missoula Public Health, email:

[email protected]

Looking for media resources?

Click here

Press Release

Missoula Public Health, Missoula Fire Department Launch Naloxone Leave-Behind Program to Prevent Overdose Deaths

Lily Walsh – August 5, 2026

Missoula Public Health and the Missoula Fire Department are launching a Naloxone Leave-Behind Program to expand access to lifesaving overdose prevention resources and reduce the number of overdose deaths in Missoula County. Through this partnership, Missoula Public Health's Missoula Drug Safety Coalition provided kits for all Missoula Fire Department engines,...

Press Release

New Drive Safe Missoula Mascot “Buckles” Promotes Safety on the Roads

Lily Walsh – August 3, 2026

Buckles, the official mascot of Drive Safe Missoula, will make his debut at the Western Montana Fair this week. Buckles promotes the correct installation of car seats and wearing a seatbelt to ensure everyone is safe on the roads in Missoula County, providing fist bumps (knuckles) for those who buckle...

Press Release

Missoula Public Health Awarded Opioid Abatement Funds to Support Overdose Prevention Efforts

Lily Walsh – June 1, 2026

Missoula Public Health (MPH) is expanding overdose prevention and harm reduction efforts across Missoula County thanks to funding received from the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT) last fall. Two MPH programs, the Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SUDPP) and the Missoula Foster Child Health Program (MFCHP), received a combined $333,300 through the Missoula Metropolitan Abatement Region Opioid Settlement Trust for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The...

Events Press Release

Missoula Public Health Hosts Pop-up Immunization Clinics Ahead of Summer

Lily Walsh – April 28, 2026

Missoula Public Health (MPH) is offering multiple vaccine clinics at locations around the county ahead of summer. These clinics are on a first-come, first-served basis and give people the opportunity to get vaccinated before the back-to-school rush in August. Nurses onsite will offer Tdap, HPV, meningitis, DTaP, polio, MMR and...

Press Release

Missoula Public Health to Host Roll & Read Event Promoting Healthy Childhood Development

Lily Walsh – April 14, 2026

Missoula Public Health will host the 5th annual Roll & Read event on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McCormick Park in Missoula. This free, family-friendly event promotes early childhood literacy development, educates participants on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and encourages families in the community...

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