NMHC & HRDC team up for Food Farmacy. (NMHC) Northern Montana Health Care and District 4 Human Resources Development Council's Community Food Bank are teaming up to help improve health in the area. Northern Montana Health Care Director of Clinical Nursing Katie Kimberling and Chief Operating Officer Christen Obresley delivered cooking and eating supplies to the Food Bank June 1 as a part of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services Food Farmacy program. The program was established by the state as a way to provide healthier food and healthier eating habits for people with problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The delivery included electric burners, pots and pans, cooking utensils and plates and silverware. Community Food Bank Manager Chris Clark-Holmes said many of the Food Bank's clients lack access to a fully equipped kitchen, so the delivery will help ensure they are able to make healthy meals. The Food Bank and NMHC joined up to be part of the Food Farmacy program, in which eligible clients are referred to the Food Bank for healthy foods that will help ease their conditions. The clients also are given information about healthy food preparation and nutrition information. The Food Farmacy is a one-year program, with the organizations tracking and keeping in contact with the clients about the food, nutrition and education services. The program includes a $5,000 grant, which may not be used to purchase food. NMHC used part of that grant to buy the cooking supplies, and will make an additional donation of items in a second delivery. Clark-Holmes said he is working on a heart-healthy cookbook which, once approved, will be given to the Food Farmacy clients.

Northern Montana Health Care's board of trustees announced today the upcoming retirement of 31-year Northern Montana Health Care Chief Executive Officer David Henry.