Big Sky Times

Governor Greg Gianforte announced an investment of up to $6.5 million in one-time grants to Tribal nations and Urban Indian Health Organizations (UIHOs) aimed at supporting and improving behavioral health services in Native American communities.

The funding, recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) Commission, is part of a larger $300 million allocation secured by the governor last year to reform Montana’s behavioral health (BH) and developmental disabilities (DD) services systems.

“All of Montana’s Tribal communities work tirelessly to address the behavioral health needs for the people they serve,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This funding will enable us to come alongside their efforts to increase access to care and address existing gaps. I appreciate the Commission and our Tribal partners for working together to bring this recommendation forward.”

In March, the BHSFG Commission met with representatives from all Montana Tribes, UIHOs, DPHHS, and the Office of American Indian Health to discuss current BH and DD challenges facing Tribal nations and identify potential solutions.

“Tribal leaders know best how to tackle the longstanding, systemic behavioral health challenges faced by individuals living on each reservation and those served by UIHOs,” DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton stated. “I appreciate the heartfelt testimony our Tribal colleagues presented to the Commission about current obstacles they are facing, and I applaud them for their commitment to this important work.”

Similar to many rural communities in Montana, Tribal areas face significant transportation barriers when accessing BH and DD care. The allocated funds can be used for improving or expanding existing behavioral health facilities, supporting mobile crisis response teams, and covering transportation expenses relevantly addressing cultural needs.

To qualify for these grants, each Tribe and UIHO must submit individual proposals detailing how they plan to utilize BHSFG funding based on their specific needs.

Last year, Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 872 into law as part of his Budget for Montana Families initiative. This generational investment aims at reforming Montana's behavioral health and developmental disabilities services systems through a $300 million allocation designed to expand intensive community-based care across the state.

Further information on the BHSFG Commission's work can be found here.