Jefferson County MT Public Health

09/04/2026

Our office will be closed Monday, September 7, for Labor Day and will reopen Tuesday, September 8.

As you enjoy the long weekend, take care of yourself and others. Stay safe and enjoy time with family and friends. ❤️

Happy Labor Day!

09/03/2026

PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: Salmonella Linked to Broccoli Sprouts

Montana public health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC of Idaho.

As of September 3, two people in Montana have been linked to the outbreak.

🛑 If you have these sprouts:

Do not eat them.
Throw them away or return them to the store.
Wash and sanitize any surfaces or items that touched the sprouts.

Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms or signs of dehydration.

If you think you became sick after eating these sprouts, contact Jefferson County Health Department at 406-225-4007.

Please share to help spread the word.

08/12/2026

Understanding the Montana Air Quality Index (AQI)

With fire season upon us in Montana, the Jefferson County Health Department thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss wildfire smoke (PM2.5), who it affects, and what smoke conditions may look like for those who don't have a way to check official air quality readings.
Wildfire smoke can change our air quality quickly. Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI) can help you make informed decisions to protect your health.

🟢 AQI 0–50 | Good
Air quality is healthy for everyone. Enjoy your normal outdoor activities.
Visual observations:
• Clear skies with visibility of 10+ miles.
• Mountains and distant ridgelines are clearly visible.

🟡 AQI 51–100 | Moderate
Air quality is acceptable for most people. Individuals who are unusually sensitive to smoke or air pollution should consider reducing prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
Visual observations:
• Light haze with visibility of 5–10 miles.
• Distant objects are still easy to see.

🟠 AQI 101–150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other lung conditions should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Others can usually continue normal activities.
Visual observations:
• Hazy skies with visibility of 3–5 miles.
• Distant hills or mountains may appear faded or blurry.

🔴 AQI 151–200 | Unhealthy
Everyone should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Sensitive groups should stay indoors as much as possible in cleaner air.
Visual observations:
• Smoky air with visibility of 1–3 miles.
• Thick haze; mountains may be difficult to see or partially obscured.

🟣 AQI 201–300 | Very Unhealthy
Health alert! Everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and move activities indoors when possible.
Visual observations:
• Thick smoke with visibility of ½–1 mile.
• The landscape appears washed out or gray.

🟤 AQI 301+ | Hazardous
Emergency conditions. Stay indoors with clean air if possible and follow guidance from local officials.
Visual observations:
• Dense smoke with visibility of less than ½ mile.
• Nearby objects may appear dim or disappear quickly in the haze.

Remember: Smoke conditions can change throughout the day. Before heading outside, check the latest Montana DEQ air quality conditions and plan your activities accordingly.

https://gis.mtdeq.us/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=000f42b119c44c7f9c3b4336470c721e

AirNow Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/ #8.56/46.2633/-112.2984

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Protect your lungs.

Visual observations are approximate and should not replace official AQI readings.

07/31/2026

Jefferson County Health Department and Care Van are partnering with Boulder Medical Clinic to offer NO Cost sports physicals and school immunizations.

If you have questions or would like more information, please call 406-225-4007. We look forward to helping students get ready for the school year!

07/27/2026

Air Quality Alert for Jefferson County 🚨

Current air quality in Jefferson County is in the Unhealthy range, with a PM2.5 (wildfire smoke) Air Quality Index (AQI) of 156–157.

At this level:
• Everyone may begin to experience health effects.
• People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who are active outdoors are at greater risk.

Protect yourself by:
• Limiting prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous exercise.
• Keeping windows and doors closed when possible.
• Running your air conditioner on recirculate or using a HEPA air purifier.
• Wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator if you must spend extended time outdoors.

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. Monitor current conditions and any health advisories using these trusted resources:

🌐 Montana DEQ Air Quality Map: https://deq.mt.gov/air/monitoring/current-air-quality

🌐 AirNow Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/ #8.56/46.2633/-112.2984

🌐 PurpleAir: https://map.purpleair.com/

Stay safe and take steps to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.

07/16/2026

Hope to see you at Art Club tonight!

Art Club is Tomorrow!

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Jefferson High School Cafeteria for an evening of creativity, conversation, and community!

We will begin with a special community conversation featuring Sam Samson, who will share stories and memories of raising a family, teaching, coaching, and serving as a Jefferson County Commissioner. Following the discussion, we will work together to create a collaborative mural celebrating bridging generations, strengthening connections, and the spirit of our community.

Art Club is a welcoming space for ages 14 and older to connect through creativity, meet new people, and enjoy the many benefits of making art together. No artistic experience is needed. Everyone is welcome!

📅 Thursday, July 16
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Jefferson High School Cafeteria

Bring a friend and join us for an inspiring evening of art and connection! 🎨💙

07/15/2026

Art Club is Tomorrow!

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Jefferson High School Cafeteria for an evening of creativity, conversation, and community!

We will begin with a special community conversation featuring Sam Samson, who will share stories and memories of raising a family, teaching, coaching, and serving as a Jefferson County Commissioner. Following the discussion, we will work together to create a collaborative mural celebrating bridging generations, strengthening connections, and the spirit of our community.

Art Club is a welcoming space for ages 14 and older to connect through creativity, meet new people, and enjoy the many benefits of making art together. No artistic experience is needed. Everyone is welcome!

📅 Thursday, July 16
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Jefferson High School Cafeteria

Bring a friend and join us for an inspiring evening of art and connection! 🎨💙

07/09/2026

Summer Art Club – Tonight!

Join us Thursday, July 9, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Jefferson High School cafeteria.

This week, Sarina Eckman will lead us in creating abstract art using colors, shapes, and lines to express creativity and emotion.

Art Club is a welcoming space where people ages 14 and older can connect through creativity, build community, and enjoy the benefits of making art together. Everyone is welcome!

Summer Art Club Thursday, July 9th
Jefferson High School's cafeteria
6 - 8 pm
Sarina Eckman will lead us in the art of abstract!! Abstract art is a style that does not attempt to accurately represent visual reality. Instead of copying the visible world, it uses colors, lines, shapes, and textures to evoke emotions, moods, and concepts.

06/16/2026