Overview
In mid-1984, a small group of health care professionals explored the possibility of creating a community-based organization, based upon the national Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies model, to improve maternal and child health in Montana.
Today, the organization continues to advocate for the safety, health and well-being of Montana’s children, families and communities by being involved in programs and projects that are funded by: federal and state agencies; businesses; corporations and foundations; and private individuals. The programs are both community-based and child-focused.
Our Commitments
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies is committed to:
- Promoting public education and training to improve child passenger safety, safety belt use, and impaired driving prevention
- Improving the health and safety of kids and communities by making walking and biking to school safer, easier and enjoyable – while promoting physical activity
- Reducing infant mortality through managing our Safe Sleep for Babies Program - a SIDS prevention program
- Promoting primary prevention services
- Improving access to health care for families with young children
- Promoting a family perspective in all programs and outreach efforts
- Educating public policy makers at the local, state and federal level regarding the health, safety and well-being of Montana’s families and communities
- Developing statewide technical assistance to and public awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention services
- Promoting parent education for all Montana families to better ensure their safety, health, and well-being
- Promoting public education and training to promote healthy choices for children and families
History
In mid-1984, a small group of health professionals explored the possibility of creating a community-based organization, based on the national Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies model, to improve maternal and child health in Montana. The newly-formed organization’s mission statement was, “To reduce the risk of maternal, perinatal, and infant mortality, morbidity, and disability.”
In its first year, HMHB grew from a handful to a hundred or more members. An extraordinary number of them committed substantial personal time to the Steering Committee. They met monthly, attended retreats and conferences, developed organizational structures and mission statements, and identified projects.
Among the early projects were a women’s health survey, a study of baby bottle tooth decay, a survey of health conditions among migrant workers, the development of a maternal and child health resource directory, an adolescent health promotion plan, projects to develop allied organizations such as the Montana Children’s Alliance and the Montana Council for Maternal and Child Health, and the Montana Pregnancy Risk Line. The Pregnancy Risk Line went on-line in May of 1986, and the Montana Council for Maternal Child Health was incorporated in July of 1987 – the same month HMHB hired its first Executive Director.
Throughout the 1990’s, the organization was an independent voice for Montana’s mothers and children. It established a statewide teen health and pregnancy prevention program entitled PATH. This program had a statewide task force and an active Indian Advisory Group that supported the establishment of adolescent health initiatives on the reservations. Seventeen statewide HMHB-member coalitions had formed to assist in carrying out the organization’s mission and programs. The community-based vision had been realized.
In 1991, the “Baby Your Baby” program began. The program was a far-reaching public education program to urge every pregnant woman in Montana to seek prenatal care, information and referral. The program included a statewide, multi-media effort that drew attention to infant mortality and low birth weight in Montana. This program was a true public-private effort. Other Maternal Child Health programs that HMHB managed were Breastfeeding promotion, technical assistance to the Montana Hunger Coalition, Tobacco Free promotion, among others. The organization has also strongly advocated for sound nutrition through providing educational materials that promote a wide variety of best choices for healthy eating habits. See Clearinghouse for additional resources.
Today, HMHB’s program focus has changed, along with funding changes, however the organization’s philosophy of prevention and community-based health promotion continue to be its primary focus.
Staff
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, The Montana Coalition employs 5 staff members to carry out its programs and projects.
Bette Hall-Munger, Executive Director
bhallmunger-hmhb@qwestoffice.net
Patty Carrell, MT Safe Kids Safe Communities State Coordinator and Safe
Kids Montana Coordinator
pcarrell-hmhb@qwestoffice.net
Jessica Ball, MT Safe Routes to School Coordinator
jessicab-hmhb@qwestoffice.net
Eileen Donohoue, Executive Fiscal Officer
edonohoue-hmhb@qwestoffice.net
Carla Jay, Administrative Assistant
cjay-hmhb@qwestoffice.net
Board of Directors
The organization has a 9-member Board of Directors who meets quarterly in Helena. They provide program oversight and guidance to the Executive Director and the organization at large.
Betty Hidalgo, President, Helena
Kathy Toney, Vice President, Billings
Denise Higgins, Secretary/Treasurer, Helena
Guy Almquist, Helena
Dr. Tom Strizich, Helena
Steve Bullock, Helena
Kimmy Skifton, Helena
Billy Jo Callishaw, Helena
Gerri Labunetz, Great Falls
Senator Carol Williams, Missoula
Ex Officio Members: Carl Tanberg and Ken Moore