Big Sky Times

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton announced the publication of the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) Commission’s draft report on May 24, 2024.

“This report comprises detailed recommendations on how to make historic investments in Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities systems and will serve as a comprehensive, vetted, and actionable roadmap for future generations,” Brereton stated. “On behalf of Chair Keenan and the commission, I want to sincerely thank all those who have lent their time and expertise to the initiative thus far – and helped us reach this milestone as we enter the next chapter of work.”

Presented to the commission on May 20 in Helena, the draft report was nearly a year in development. It draws from various sources, including BHSFG commissioners, public commenters, individuals with lived experience, community stakeholders, healthcare providers, subject matter experts, and data-driven reports.

Over the past year, the commission conducted numerous public meetings across Montana. These meetings included extensive testimony from community stakeholders and subject matter experts which informed the draft report's recommendations through a consensus-driven approach.

The draft report outlines 21 recommendations and five near-term initiatives (NTIs), already in different stages of implementation by DPHHS. In upcoming months, the commission will continue its efforts to transform Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities service systems to meet statewide needs.

In July, a further revised draft report will be presented before various legislative interim committees before being submitted to Governor Greg Gianforte for review ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Meanwhile, DPHHS will continue implementing NTIs.

“Our focus now turns to further refining and prioritizing these recommendations so that they become a reality in Montana over the coming years while simultaneously continuing to launch and support key NTIs,” Brereton added.

At its May 20 meeting, the commission approved four additional NTIs and expanded a previously approved NTI aimed at increasing residential bed capacity. These recommendations are set to be reviewed by Governor Gianforte.

Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 872 into law on May 22, 2023. The bill provides significant investment aimed at reforming Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities service systems. A central component of his Budget for Montana Families includes a $300 million investment intended to expand intensive and community-based behavioral health care services across Montana.

The BHSFG Commission was established by HB 872 with a mandate to recommend how funds allocated through DPHHS should be expended from the BHSFG special revenue account.

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