Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the Missoula County Detention Facility to discuss Montana's investment in behavioral health through the Healing and Ending Addiction Through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Fund. The initiative aims to address gaps in the state's behavioral health system, reduce recidivism, and save lives.
"After decades of applying Band-Aids to our broken system and kicking the can down the road, we’re making a commitment and generational investment to get Montanans healthy," Gov. Gianforte stated.
The HEART Fund, introduced by Gianforte during his first week in office, allocates $25 million annually for comprehensive behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs. This funding supports local detention facilities across seven Montana counties, including Missoula.
Before receiving this grant, Missoula County Detention Facility could serve about 78 individuals. With HEART funding, over 3,000 Montanans received assistance last year. Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen noted that since mental health services in jails cannot be billed to Medicaid or private insurance, grant funding is essential for providing these services.
Missoula County has utilized HEART funds to support two mental health therapists and one care coordinator. "We provide a wide variety of evidenced-based therapies," said MCDF Health Coordinator Alyse Last Star.
DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton highlighted high utilization rates of these voluntary services across all contracted jails. Initially estimated to serve 1,000 participants within two years, the program has assisted over 3,100 individuals in just one and a half years.
Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin emphasized the importance of timely intervention: "The later you get these people help the more damaged they become."
In addition to HEART Fund efforts, Governor Gianforte proposed a $300 million investment last year for repairs at Montana State Hospital and expansion of community-based behavioral health care services statewide.
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