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Extraordinary
people teaching people

Better health through a cultural approach

Messengers for Health is an Indigenous 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located on the Apsáalooke (Crow) Reservation in Montana.

OUR MISSION: Growing, fostering, and supporting trusted and respected community leaders to improve the health of Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) men, women, and children using solutions that respect and honor Apsáalooke strengths, culture, stories, and language. We utilize traditional methods of knowledge transmission, harness cultural strengths and value the guidance, knowledge, and expertise of our community members.   

WHAT WE DO

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Outreach

We are committed to developing and maintaining collaborations and partnerships with health service organizations and healthcare providers through community outreach.  

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Education

  • In home visits

  • Advocate training

  • Intern training

  • Public Workshops

  • Support Group

  • Resources and Materials

NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcoming our new staff member: Dorothy Renee Gaines

Dorothy has been working as one our Báa nnilah program mentors for the Lodge Grass and Wyola communities. We're excited to share that she will also be supporting our work in Program Development, Grant Writing, and Fundraising — and we’re so grateful to have her knowledge, heart, and dedication on board.

She is a Navy veteran, loving mother, and proud member of the Apsáalooke Nation, Dorothy brings deep passion for community healing and Indigenous empowerment. We’re excited for what’s ahead with her on our team!

Our 2024 Annual Report: The Horizon Ahead

We are excited to share the Messengers for Health 2024 Annual Report, highlighting our impactful work in the Apsáalooke community this past year. From expanding health programs to deepening partnerships, this report showcases the dedication of our staff, mentors, students, board members, and community partners who make our mission possible. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our student intern, Brandie Dodge, for her invaluable contributions in compiling and writing this year’s report. Her dedication and hard work have helped us tell the story of our efforts and successes. We would also like to thank all of our funders and supporters who help us continue to grow our organization!

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2024 Annual Report

The Horizon Ahead

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Messengers for Health and Cancer Support Community Montana Collaborate

On Wednesday November 6th , 2024 Messengers for Health and Cancer Support Community of Montana (CSCMT) came together and hosted the Cancer Support Community Sharing meeting in Crow Agency, MT. Crow community members were invited to attend and share their personal experiences with cancer. During this meeting Messengers for Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become a formal cancer resource center with CSCMT. Both organizations are excited to partner to better support all who are impacted by cancer on the Crow Reservation. Research shows that the very best cancer care includes social and emotional support, and by collaborating, the two organizations aim to address emotional and financial stress; encourage prevention and early detection, as well as treatment compliance; foster better mental and physical health; and ultimately improve quality of life and health outcomes. Often located in smaller or rural communities, CSCMT Resource Centers help facilitate referral arrangements, resource navigation and additional support in order to ensure no one goes through the challenges of cancer alone.

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Alma McCormick Receives Award

January 2024

Executive Director, Alma McCormick received the 2024 Outstanding Community Partner Award at the Mountain West CTR-IN Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

 

Alma  received this award in recognition of her significant contributions to the community-engaged research pilot project of Dr. Vanessa Simonds in promoting

healthy relationships among Apsáalooke youth.

Celebrating Our Students
2024-2025
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Undergraduates in Human Development and Family Science

Brandie Dodge

Erena Kolb

Graduate student in Indigenous and Rural Health

Roni Knows Gun

Our Philosophy in Action!

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