Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced a $2.7 million investment in behavioral health services for local detention centers across Montana, aiming to support 1,000 individuals over the next two years. This initiative is part of the HEART Fund, which allocates $25 million annually to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs.

"Talking with local law enforcement and treatment providers, I’ve heard repeatedly the need for better mental health and treatment services for individuals within the criminal justice system," stated Gov. Gianforte. "With this investment, we’ll fill identified gaps in our behavioral health system, while also reducing recidivism, saving taxpayer dollars, and saving lives."

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has awarded grants to several counties: Yellowstone ($536,118), Missoula ($567,253), Lewis and Clark ($580,600), Gallatin ($177,181), Butte Silver-Bow ($227,852), Cascade ($262,478), and Custer ($348,515). These funds will help expand services such as behavioral health therapy and medication management.

Butte Silver-Bow Chief Executive Officer J.P. Gallagher emphasized the importance of comprehensive strategies in addressing substance use issues: “This funding deploys another strategy to fill gaps in the overall continuum of care.”

DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton highlighted that individuals with behavioral health issues are overrepresented in jails nationwide. He noted that earlier access to resources can facilitate recovery and community reintegration: "Bringing these resources to clients earlier will help put these individuals on the path to recovery sooner."

Services offered through this initiative include peer support and care coordination. The program mandates collaboration with local stakeholders from both behavioral health and criminal justice systems to ensure effective implementation.

All participants will receive voluntary services based on clinical assessments. Enrollment methods include screenings upon jail entry or referrals by correctional staff or self-referrals.