Messengers for Health

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 is 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.   

Our History

Bach chiikiitalaa (Take Care of One Another), It’s our Apsáalooke Way

Messengers for Health began in 1996 as a community-based research partnership between Alma Know His Gun-McCormick and a Montana State University health professor. Together, they developed a program that empowered Crow women in the community, called Messengers, to promote cancer awareness, prevention and screenings and to partner with the Indian Health Service to provide quality care. Research grants from the American Cancer Society supported our work from 2001-2011.

In 2009, we became a nonprofit organization in order to sustain our research-based programs and to address other health issues important to the Crow people.  We’ve led community-based health initiatives and built strong, trusting relationships within the Apsáalooke community. Our partnerships with local, state and national health entities continue to strengthen our foundation and expand our impact, making us a trusted resource for the health and well-being of the Apsáalooke people. For nearly 30 years, we’ve built strong relationships across public and private sectors, acting as a bridge to foster collaboration and create a healthier, more cohesive community.

Our programs

Báa nnilah

This program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention. It is for men, women, youth and elders who want to learn about or improve their health. It includes seven gatherings that focus on nutrition, exercise, and self-care using Apsàalooke cultural strengths. Each gathering is led by a mentor from the community, a healthy meal is provided, and family members are welcomed to attend gatherings.

Within each gathering, participants:

• Gain knowledge and tools for healthy living and self-care to improve their quality of life.
• Share and apply Crow cultural strengths to improve community health.
• Learn about nutrition and physical and emotional health through hands-on activities.
• Gain support and help from program staff and other participants to apply what is learned to improve health and wellness.

We are working with other tribal communities to adapt Báa nnilah program materials to make them relational to their cultures to help improve the health of their communities.

Elder program

This program provides community outreach, advocacy, and support for our elders. Our Elder Advocate meets with elders one-on-one and in small group discussions to listen and provide support. We developed an elder resource guide to help elders access resources in the community. Our Elder advocate is working toward strengthening elder abuse legislation on the Crow Reservation, so elders feel safe in the community. This ensures that our advocacy reflects their experiences and concerns.

Transportation program

This program provides gas gift cards for cancer and dialysis patients who travel off the reservation for doctors’ appointments and treatments. Program participants work with a staff member to create a transportation plan that works best for them. Staff members distribute gas cards based on the needs of each participant. In 2024, we helped 67 cancer and dialysis patients and provided over $52,000 in gas cards.