Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Charlie Brereton, director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), has announced a significant $2.1 million investment aimed at improving access to mental health and substance use screening for young Montanans. This initiative focuses on implementing universal mental health screenings in schools.

“No young Montanan struggling with their mental health is alone,” Governor Gianforte stated. He emphasized the importance of reducing stigma associated with mental illness and strengthening Montana's overall well-being through these screenings.

The funding comes from a Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant, which DPHHS has allocated to the Rural Behavioral Health Institute (RBHI). The funds will support RBHI's Screening Linked to Care Program until the 2024-25 school year.

RBHI previously conducted successful pilots during the 2020-2022 school years, reaching over 1,000 middle and high school students across ten schools with suicide prevention interventions. With this new investment, RBHI plans to expand its program to cover up to 40 percent of all middle and high school students in Montana. Currently, thirty-seven schools have agreed to implement the program this spring.

“RBHI has done an excellent job piloting universal screening in Montana, and we’re excited to expand this program to more schools,” said Director Brereton.

The initiative aligns with goals set by the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Fund. It offers universal mental health and substance use screening along with same-day care for youth identified as having high suicidality risks. This immediate care includes safety evaluations, brief interventions, and referrals for further treatment.

Janet Lindow from RHBI expressed enthusiasm about expanding their efforts: “This is a terrific opportunity to expand this important work.”

School officials participating in the program report positive outcomes. Todd Wester from Livingston Public Schools highlighted that it provides critical tools for identifying students at risk of suicide: “There’s been situations where parents, peers, or school staff were not aware a student was suicidal."

Wester added that RBHI ensures vital connections are made between students at risk and clinicians who can provide necessary care promptly.

Statistics from the 2021 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveal alarming trends: 41% of high school students reported depression symptoms last year; up to 21% seriously considered suicide. Additionally, there have been notable increases over ten years in feelings of sadness or hopelessness among students surveyed.