Funding will help rural counties and tribes pilot innovative programs tailored to community needs

HELENA, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced an investment of up to $2.5 million to support rural counties and tribal communities as they design and implement targeted, locally-developed solutions to behavioral health needs within their communities.

As recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) Commission, the investment represents the next allocation of $300 million in funding secured by the governor last year to reform and improve Montana’s behavioral health (BH) and developmental disabilities (DD) services systems.

“Each Montana community faces different challenges and it’s critical we help address their specific needs to tackle the behavioral health crisis together,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This funding will provide tribes and rural counties with the resources they need to design and implement programs that work best for the Montanans they serve.” 

The one-time, two-year grants of up to $250,000 each will be awarded to up to 10 tribal communities and rural counties throughout Montana. Through the program, tribes and counties can apply for either the System-Level Innovation or Local-based Community Health Workers track.

The System-Level Innovation track is aimed at supporting collaboration at the local level to strengthen the effectiveness of existing programs with the assistance of the Montana Public Health Institute.

Tribes and counties utilizing the Local-based Community Health Workers track will receive support with incorporating county-based community health workers into the community’s existing behavioral health infrastructure. This model includes training, clinical supervision, and access to an extensive telehealth network of licensed professionals.

“This investment supports local innovation and community coordination while simultaneously maximizing the effectiveness of the behavioral health resources that currently exist within Montana’s rural and tribal communities,” Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton said.

Montanans living in rural counties and tribal communities often have to travel long distances to access care, which can prevent them from receiving appropriate and timely support for their behavioral health needs.

Tribes and rural counties will be able to apply for funding later this fall on the DPHHS website.

On May 22, 2023, Gov. Gianforte made a generational investment to reform and improve Montana’s BH and DD services systems by signing House Bill 872 into law. A central component of the governor’s Budget for Montana Families, the $300 million investment will expand intensive and community-based BH and DD services across Montana.

More information about the Commission and its work may be found here.