Southwest Montana News

Today in Great Falls, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte announced a new initiative aimed at tackling the state's substance abuse crisis. Joined by Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Adam Meier, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter, and Rimrock CEO Lenette Kosovich, Gianforte unveiled the Angel Initiative.

The initiative is designed to improve access to treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. It offers more entry points for treatment through collaboration with law enforcement agencies across Montana. Governor Gianforte stated, "Montana faces a substance abuse crisis, and we must do all we can to connect Montanans who need help to treatment."

A cooperative effort between state government, law enforcement, and treatment providers, the Angel Initiative enables individuals dealing with substance use issues to seek assistance at participating law enforcement offices. So far, nearly 20 sheriff's offices in Montana have joined the program.

DPHHS Director Meier expressed satisfaction with the cooperation from sheriffs across the state: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with law enforcement and treatment providers to guide folks on the path to recovery and save lives.”

Cascade County has been identified as the first site for this initiative. Additional sites will begin operations following state-organized training sessions set for November and December. The aim is for all sites to be operational by January.

Sheriff Slaughter emphasized the program’s potential impact: “In the end, we all have the same goal: keep our communities safe and help connect Montanans with the treatment they need."

Participants will have access to a toll-free number that connects them to mental health professionals who assess their needs. If local services are unavailable, alternative options in nearby areas will be offered; however, placement is not guaranteed.

Rimrock CEO Kosovich pledged commitment: “We fully understand the toll that substance use disorders continue to take on Montanans.”

The initiative also involves collaboration with nine service providers covering over 20 counties via enrollment efforts coordinated by DPHHS.

Meier referenced similar successful programs elsewhere: "Similar programs have been successful in other states," citing Kentucky State Police's model from 2016.

More information about participating locations can be found at angelinitiative.mt.gov.

Governor Gianforte highlighted concerning statistics regarding opioid overdoses in Montana during 2021 as part of his remarks on addressing this pressing issue.