Aaron Bolton

Columbia Falls

Reporter at Montana Public Radio (Missoula, MT)

MTPR’s NW Montana/Statewide Health Care Reporter [email protected] - Contributor @npr @KHNews - Previously @KSTKradio @kbbiam890 - Here for your dog videos.

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Articles

With Property Seized and Federal Funding Uncertain, Montana Asbestos Clinic Fights for Its Life

1 week ago | kffhealthnews.org | Aaron Bolton

LIBBY, Mont. — Dozens of feet of tubing connect Gayla Benefield to her oxygen machine so she can walk from room to room inside her home on the picturesque Kootenai River, surrounded by the Cabinet Mountains. Like many people who live in this remote town about 80 miles from the U.S.-Canada border, the 81-year-old Benefield has asbestosis, or scarring of the lungs from asbestos exposure.
Measles cases continue to rise in Gallatin County

1 week ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

Gallatin County accounts for more than half of the state's 20 measles cases. Most cases have come from out-of-state travel, but public health officials there say at least three cases were acquired locally. That can make it harder to contain the spread of the virus, but county health officer Lori Christenson says it’s unclear whether there’s uncontrolled spread. Six children in Gallatin County have become sick. Kids typically get their first measles vaccine at one year old.
Missoula hospital will stop offering gender-affirming care to minors

2 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

Montana families with transgender children are quickly losing access to care. A Missoula hospital Wednesday announced it would stop offering gender-affirming care to minors. It is the latest hospital system to stop offering that service. Community Medical Center in a statement cited state and federal policy changes.
State Supreme Court rules abortion restrictions violated Montana's Constitution

2 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

State legislation passed in 2021 would have prohibited abortions after 20 weeks and restricted medication abortions. Another bill would have required providers to ask parents if they wanted to see an ultrasound or listen to a heartbeat before getting an abortion. Planned Parenthood sued the state, and a lower court ruled in its favor, declaring the laws unconstitutional. The Supreme Court agreed.
New cancer center brings expanded treatment options to Lewistown

2 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

To celebrate the opening of the Helmsley Cancer Center, breast cancer patient Abby Franks rang a bell that will be used by future patients completing treatment. More than 200 onlookers shook their own tiny bells to celebrate the new possibilities having local treatment will bring. Franks, who also helped raise funds for the center, is excited. “Care givers and their diagnosed loved ones can now have radiation care right here," Franks said.
Measles cases grow to 17 in Montana

3 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

The number of measles cases in Montana has grown to 17. Gallatin County public health officials last week announced that a fully vaccinated person contracted measles from an unknown source. Public health experts say while that can happen, it’s rare. The measles vaccine is considered 97% effective. That means three out of every 100 vaccinated people will contract the virus. Some people don’t fully respond to the vaccine, or have compromised immune systems.
Missoula's St. Patrick Hospital to close its Family Maternity Center

3 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

In a press release Tuesday, St. Patrick Hospital said it will close its Family Maternity Center in October. The hospital cited staffing shortages and declining birth rates. Montana’s birth rate has steadily declined for more than a decade, according to the March of Dimes. Montana Hospital Association President Bob Olson says, “If you do not have the volume, it’s tough to afford the medical component.”It’s not just keeping birthing centers financially afloat that’s hard.
Briefs: Job Corps pause; right-to-know ruling; Hospital Association president

3 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Victoria Traxler |Shaylee Ragar |Aaron Bolton

Labor Department will pause youth career training; Montana offices to remain openThe U.S. Department of Labor announced it will begin pausing a portion of the largest career training program for youth.The federal Job Corps program offers technical and educational training to young people between 16 and 24 years old. It provides students access to room and board for up to three years while they learn industry-specific skills.
Montanans could lose health care access under GOP budget proposal

4 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

Just before the holiday weekend the U.S. House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as it’s been named. To pay for President Donald Trump’s major priorities like tax cuts and border security, lawmakers are targeting health care spending. The legislation is expected to reduce federal health care spending by $700 billion over the next decade. That’s according to the Congressional Budget Office estimate.
Health officials report two more cases of measles in Montana

4 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton

Two more measles cases have been confirmed in Montana. One case in Hill County exposed others in the community. Hill County public health officials announced late last week that a local child is isolating after they contracted measles. In a press release, the health department said it was unclear where they became infected. It said the child also exposed an unknown number of people at a private gathering. The county is holding an accelerated measles vaccine clinic to help prevent further spread.