The air we breathe is essential to our well-being.  Due to hotter and drier weather resulting from a changing climate, Western Montana is experiencing more frequent wildfires and smokey days.   When smoke from wildfires pollutes the air, we all suffer, especially the most vulnerable in our population, the very young and old.   Since 2020, Climate Smart Glacier Country (CSGC) has been working with partners to reduce the health impacts of poor air quality from wildfire smoke.

Smoke includes small particulate matter that makes breathing more difficult.   This can be a life-threatening issue for those with respiratory illnesses, allergies, or heart conditions.   To help those in need, Climate Smart has been securing funding to purchase air filters for the purpose of donating them to low-income households.   The Flathead County Health Department and Logan Health Medical Center have been partners in this endeavor.   To date, almost 200 air filters have been distributed. (See program overview for more info)

The CSGC clean-air project has also included education and outreach activities to increase awareness about reducing health risks from wildfire smoke.  Recently, CSGC received a Smoke Ready Communities  grant to expand educational efforts and to pilot clean-air improvements for day-care centers. This funding will allow for the purchase of air monitors and classroom size air-filters for up to two day-care centers that serve low-income families. The experience gained from these pilot projects can be a model for providing clean air to infants and toddlers that are particularly vulnerable to wildfire smoke pollutants due to developing respiratory systems. 

Additionally, CSGC has been coordinating with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to facilitate the development of clean air centers in Flathead County.   This project would entail identifying potential sites for upgraded HVAC systems that will be open to the public during periods of poor air quality. DPHHS has piloted this program in Missoula and Ravalli counties and is seeking to expand it to other parts of western Montana. 

Working together is the best way to adapt to the impacts of climate change.   CSGC is pleased to join with partners to help our communities breathe a little easier.