Tribal nations and Urban Indian Health Organizations will receive $6.5 million in one-time grants for behavioral health services in Native American communities, the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday.
The Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission recommended this investment, marking the latest allocation of a $300 million fund aimed at supporting behavioral health and developmental disabilities systems in Montana.
Jason Smith, Executive Director of the Montana Consortium of Urban Indian Health, praised the investment in a statement.
“Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) do incredible work on limited budgets,” Smith said. “We are grateful that the Behavioral Health Commission and the governor recognize the critical role UIOs play in the health care system in Montana. These funds will help UIOs provide the mental and substance use health care that patients need and deserve.”
The Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health supports the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in urban areas. It is dedicated to aiding Urban Indian Organizations in delivering healthcare services across Montana.
Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, expressed his appreciation for the recommendation from the commission and tribal partners.
“All of Montana’s tribal communities work tirelessly to address the behavioral health needs of the people they serve,” Gianforte said in a statement. “This funding will enable us to support their efforts to increase access to care and address existing gaps.”
According to the news release, the funds can be used in various ways.
“Like many rural Montana communities, tribal communities across the state face heightened transportation barriers to accessing behavioral health and developmental disabilities care,” it said.
The funding can be used to improve, repair, or expand existing behavioral health facilities, support mobile crisis response teams, and cover transportation expenses to facilities that serve individuals with behavioral health needs in a culturally relevant manner.
To be considered for the grants, each Tribe and Urban Indian Health Organization (UIHO) must submit individual proposals to the Department of Public Health and Human Services with a detailed plan of how the commission funding will be used to address their unique needs.
The Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health was founded in 2021 and is the second consortium of its kind in the nation. It includes five member organizations: All Nations Health Center (Missoula), Indian Family Health Clinic (Great Falls), Butte Native Wellness Center, Billings Urban Indian Health and Wellness Center, and Helena Indian Alliance.
The news release also noted that the $300 million investment was “a central component” of the governor’s budget. In 2023, Gianforte signed House Bill 872, which allocated the funds.
