Unlocking Community Well-Being: State Awards Behavioral Health Grants to Eight Counties and Two Tribes

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana recently announced $2.5 million in grants to enhance behavioral health efforts in rural areas and tribal communities. Eight counties and two tribes will receive up to $250,000 each over the next two years.

These funds can go towards two main goals. Communities can either create a “behavioral health toolkit” to assess local mental health issues and available resources, or they can train community health workers to help in crises and connect individuals to services.

Gianforte emphasized the importance of supporting local initiatives, stating, “These funds will help rural counties and tribes develop programs that fit their unique needs.” The counties benefiting from the grants include Jefferson, Teton, Pondera, Beaverhead, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, and Richland, along with the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe and the Little Shell Tribe.

This funding is part of a broader strategy from the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission, which identified 11 key actions to improve mental health services. In total, Montana has allocated $300 million over the coming years to bolster support for individuals facing mental health challenges or developmental disabilities.

According to recent surveys, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental health issues each year. However, in rural areas, access to services can be limited. This initiative aims to bridge that gap and ensure better care for those in need. By engaging local communities in the process, Montana intends to create tailored solutions that resonate with the residents’ specific circumstances and concerns.

For more insights on behavioral health initiatives in rural areas, check resources from the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission,Greg Gianforte,behavioral health