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Montana Eyes $30 Million Overhaul of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Facilities

Montana’s government is looking to address critical gaps in behavioral health services with a proposed $30 million revamp of state-run facilities. This move, backed by Governor Greg Gianforte’s administration, seeks to reshape how the state cares for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

A Major Shift in Behavioral Health Infrastructure

Montana’s behavioral health system has long been stretched thin, especially when it comes to providing adequate support for those with developmental disabilities and severe mental health issues. Under the proposed plan, a significant portion of the state’s $300 million mental health initiative would go towards revitalizing current facilities, improving the infrastructure, and building new ones to better serve residents.

One of the primary changes involves moving the 12-bed Intensive Behavior Center, currently based in Boulder, Montana, to either Helena or Butte. This relocation would come with an estimated price tag of up to $13.3 million. According to the plans, the new facility would aim to provide more effective and community-based services, giving people the opportunity to transition out of secure, institutional settings into less restrictive environments.

“People need to be in the right setting. This isn’t just about beds, but about making sure those with complex needs have access to the support they require as they reenter society,” said state Senator Dave Fern, a key advocate for these changes.

Intensive Behavior Center Montana

Infrastructure Overhaul at Montana State Hospital

The Montana State Hospital, located in Warm Springs, is also set to receive a major upgrade. In addition to a previously allocated $16 million for renovations, Governor Gianforte’s proposal includes another $19.2 million to overhaul the hospital’s aging infrastructure. The goal is to restore the facility to federal standards, a move that could ultimately help regain its federal certification, which has been in jeopardy for some time.

A part of the funding would go toward creating a “step-down” facility, potentially on the Shodair Children’s Hospital campus in Helena. This facility would provide a transitional space for patients who no longer require intensive psychiatric care at the Montana State Hospital but still need ongoing support. Officials say this facility would help bridge the gap between the hospital and returning patients to their homes and communities.

As the plan unfolds, Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services, along with behavioral health consultants, will continue to shape the future of the state’s mental health system. The commission, which was tasked with developing recommendations for the $300 million initiative, expects these capital investments to significantly improve service access for vulnerable populations.

Moving Forward with Legislative Approval

While the capital projects have been proposed and authorized by the behavioral health commission, they are far from being set in stone. Governor Gianforte is expected to approve the projects, but legislative approval will be necessary to secure funding for ongoing operational costs.

State health department officials are working closely with legislative committees to ensure the proposals align with Montana’s long-term behavioral health goals. According to Jon Ebelt, a spokesperson for the health department, the department is ready to move forward with the capital expenditures once it receives the green light from the Legislature.

“The capital projects are crucial for building the infrastructure to improve services. But we’ll need to work with legislators to ensure the operational side is funded appropriately,” Ebelt said.

Filling Gaps in Service and Providing Better Care

Backers of the revamp argue that this plan is critical in addressing the long-standing issue of insufficient care options in Montana. These upgrades are part of a larger vision to fill gaps in the state’s behavioral health system, moving away from institutionalization and toward community-based solutions.

Although many remain cautiously optimistic about the overhaul, others are still waiting to see the actual impact of these changes on the ground. Will Montana be able to meet the growing need for mental health and developmental disability services with this ambitious plan?

The ultimate goal is clear: create a more accessible, effective system that allows individuals to receive care in a setting that prepares them for life outside institutionalized care. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the cooperation between state officials, lawmakers, and the communities that will be affected by these changes.

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