Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program

What is the Flex Program?

• The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program or “Flex Program” is a HRSA funded program that focuses on population health improvement with the goal of supporting access to necessary health care services in rural communities. 
• Eligible Critical Access Hospitals get $2,500 for offering two sessions of the evidence-based Walk With Ease (WWE) program to employees. Stipends will be awarded on a quarterly basis and in $1,250 increments.
• Funding must be used towards worksite wellness efforts that enhance Walk with Ease programs and cannot be used towards employee salaries or structural changes.
• The current cycle year began on September 1, 2025 and a minimum of two (2) WWE sessions must be completed by August 31, 2026. 

Montana Walk With Ease

• The Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau promotes worksite wellness through evidence-based interventions to ensure that Montana employees have support and access to healthy lifestyle opportunities.
• The Walk with Ease program is a 6-week walking program for anyone who wants to start or maintain a low-impact exercise program.
• Participating Critical Access Hospitals will complete the Walk with Ease program training to adequately conduct the designated intervention, collect, and report required data quarterly. Learn more here. 

Contact Information:

Melissa Dale
Arthritis and Falls Prevention Program Manager
406-444-0959
Melissa.Dale@mt.gov 

Jessica Kechely
Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Specialist
406-444-6873
Jessica.Kechely@mt.gov 

Healthy living can be achieved by everyone. When you feel good about moving your body, preparing nutritious meals, and connecting with a supportive community, it’s easier to stay motivated and live a healthier, more active life. We recognize that these opportunities aren't always easy to access—or enjoyable for everyone. That’s why it’s important to find joy in the activities that support your well-being.   

The Joy in Healthy Living Story Map is a user-friendly, web-based resource designed to help you find fresh, affordable food, physical activities that fit your lifestyle, and local, state, and Tribal health programs across Montana.

Explore tools and tips for healthy eating, staying active through inclusive fitness options, preventing chronic disease, and learning from inspiring Tribal success stories. Check out the latest feature from the Restoring our Relationships Series: Soup and Stories.

This resource is brought to you by the State Health Improvement Plan and its partners to support the well-being of all Montanans. We encourage you to share the Story Map with friends, family, and colleagues to help build healthier communities across our state.

Have a program, resource, or success story to share? Visit the “Contact Us” tab on the Story Map to contribute or suggest new additions.

Find your path to wellness—and discover the joy in healthy living.

In Montana, most infants (91%) start out breastfeeding yet only a third (34%) are exclusively breastfed at the recommended duration of 6 months, according to 2019 National Vital Statistics and National Immunization Survey data. This is in part due to policy, system, and environmental barriers which prevent many families from meeting their breastfeeding goals. Learn more about breastfeeding trends, barriers, and support systems with the State of Breastfeeding in Montana Story Map.  

The Montana NAPA Program recognizes that infant nutrition in a public health issue. Learn about the ways NAPA is supporting lactation efforts around Montana by clicking the below links.

 Montana birthing facilities can attain Baby-Friendly designation.

Montana worksites can receive Montana Mother-Friendly Worksite recognition.