Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte, along with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton, and Todd Wilson from the Helena Indian Alliance, highlighted a new state initiative aimed at addressing addiction issues in Montana. The Angel Initiative is designed to increase access to treatment by partnering with local law enforcement and treatment providers.

Governor Gianforte stated, “Addressing the substance use crisis in Montana requires creative solutions and thinking outside of the box. That’s what we’re doing with the Angel Initiative.” He emphasized that this partnership aims to reduce stigma associated with treatment and guide more individuals toward recovery.

The initiative involves collaboration among Gov. Gianforte, DPHHS, participating law enforcement agencies, and treatment providers. It allows individuals struggling with addiction to seek assistance at any participating law enforcement office to connect with treatment services. Currently, 20 Montana sheriffs have joined this effort. Sheriffs in Cascade County and Lewis and Clark County are considered active after completing state training.

Adam Meier expressed gratitude for the partnership with Lewis and Clark County as they expand the initiative across Montana. “Montana continues to experience spikes in drug overdoses statewide, and we cannot continue down the current path,” Meier said. He stressed that access to treatment is crucial for making a difference in saving lives.

At an event held at the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Leo Dutton spoke about the daily impact of substance use on communities within his county. He emphasized the need to improve access to treatment services.

The program includes a toll-free number connecting law enforcement to mental health professionals who assess care needs. If local options are unavailable, alternate nearby community treatments are provided though placement is not guaranteed immediately.

DPHHS has collaborated with the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana to involve substance use treatment providers like Todd Wilson's Helena Indian Alliance. Wilson stated, “This program is an excellent tool that can help connect people with the treatment they need.”

Meier noted similar successful programs in other states such as Kentucky's State Police initiative launched in 2016 which helped several hundred individuals seeking treatment.

For more information about this new program including participating locations visit angelinitiative.mt.gov.