Rural counties and tribal communities in Montana will receive an infusion of $2.5 million to implement “locally developed solutions” for behavioral health needs, Gov. Greg Gianforte said in a news release Thursday. Announced.
The investment was recommended by the Behavioral Health System Committee for Future Generations, according to a news release.
This represents the next $300 million allocation requested by the Governor and approved by the Montana Legislature last year through House Bill 872 to improve Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disability services system.
“Each community in Montana faces different challenges, and it is important to help them address their unique needs as we work together to address the behavioral health crisis,” Governor Gianforte said in a statement. said. “This funding will provide tribes and local counties with the resources they need to design and implement programs that are most effective for the Montanans they serve.”
One-time, two-year grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded to up to 10 tribal communities and rural counties, according to a news release. Tribes and counties can apply for grants that support several different regions and tracks.
One “System Level Innovation Track” is designed to support collaboration at the local level to strengthen programs with support from the Montana Institute of Public Health.
The other “community-based community health worker track” will allow tribes and counties to receive support to integrate county-based community health workers into their existing behavioral health infrastructure, according to a news release. This model includes training, clinical supervision, and access to an extensive telehealth network of qualified professionals.
“This investment will support local innovation and community collaboration while increasing the effectiveness of behavioral health resources that currently exist within Montana’s rural and tribal communities,” Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton said in a statement. It’s about maximizing it.”
Montanans living in rural counties and tribal communities often have to travel long distances to receive care, making it difficult for them to receive appropriate and timely assistance with their behavioral health needs, according to a news release. There is a possibility that there is no such thing.
Tribes and rural counties will be able to apply for funding through the DPHHS website later this fall.
