Tribal nations and urban Indian health organizations will receive $6.5 million in one-time grant funding for behavioral health services in Native American communities, the governor’s office announced Wednesday.
The Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Committee recommended the investment, the latest allocation of $300 million in funding to support Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities system.
Jason Smith, executive director of the Montana Urban Indian Health Consortium, praised the investment in a statement.
“Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) do an incredible job with limited budgets,” Smith said. “We’re grateful that the Behavioral Health Commission and the Governor have recognized the important role UIOs play in Montana’s health care system. These funds will help UIOs provide the mental health and substance use care patients need and deserve.”
The Montana Urban Indian Health Consortium promotes the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas. We are committed to supporting urban Indian organizations in their mission of providing health services to communities throughout Montana.
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte said he appreciated the recommendations from the commission and tribal partners.
“Montana’s tribal communities all work tirelessly to address the behavioral health needs of the people they serve,” Gianforte said in a statement. “This funding will allow us to support their efforts, improve access to care and close existing gaps.”
The funds can be used for a variety of purposes, according to a news release.
“Like many rural communities in Montana, tribal communities across the state face increasing transportation barriers to accessing behavioral health and developmental disability care,” the report states.
“The funds can be used to improve, repair or expand existing behavioral health facilities, support mobile crisis response teams and pay for transportation to facilities that serve individuals with behavioral health needs in a culturally competent manner.”
“To be eligible for grant funding, each tribe and UIHO is required to submit an individual proposal to the Department of Public Health and Human Services with a detailed plan of how they will use (the Commission’s) funds to address their unique needs.”
The Montana Urban Indian Health Consortium was established in 2021 and is the second such consortium in the nation, with five member organizations including All Nations Health Center (Missoula), Indian Family Health Clinic (Great Falls), Butte Native Wellness Center, Billings Urban Indian Health and Wellness Center and Helena Indian Alliance, according to a spokesperson.
A news release said the $300 million investment is a “centerpiece” of the governor’s budget, and the governor signed House Bill 872, which allocates the funding in 2023.
