As a representative for Billings, Montana, I am proud to be a part of the Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations Commission. Our goal is to transform our mental health system by gathering insights from experts and communities across the state. We are shaping reforms that better support families facing developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.
During one of our recent meetings, I emphasized the importance of holding statewide meetings to ensure broad participation in the commission’s work. Our assemblies in Kalispell, Billings, Helena, and Havre have touched on various aspects of mental health, including developmental disabilities, children’s mental health, insights from Native American communities, and workforce development.
With input from mental health experts and families, the commission is focusing on some crucial Near-Term Initiatives (NTI’s). These initiatives aim to ensure individuals receive prompt and comprehensive assessments closer to home, reducing the pressure on state hospitals and providing quicker intervention and support. One such initiative is funding community-based court-ordered evaluations (COE) and stabilization services. This initiative will help individuals receive timely assessments without having to travel far distances or wait for an extended period.
Another NTI is partnering with universities and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a crisis curriculum for all crisis workers. This will provide essential training to improve crisis intervention quality and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. Additionally, we are funding existing mobile crisis providers to enhance their on-the-spot intervention capabilities and offering grants to crisis-receiving and stabilization providers to expand their capacity. This will ease the burden on emergency departments by providing more resources for immediate care.
Other NTIs include supporting providers in training their workforce to assist individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), helping Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) obtain certification to deliver specialized services for individuals with IDD, and creating a database of all available resources related to mental health in Montana. These initiatives will help us better serve those who need it most while reducing costs associated with hospitalizations.
In conclusion, as representatives working towards improving our mental health system in Montana, we are committed to ensuring that our efforts reach everyone who needs them most effectively. By collaborating with experts in the field and engaging with communities across the state