Tribal nations, Urban Indian Health Organizations, to received $6.5M for behavioral health support

The Montana State Flag and tribal flags fly in front of the Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan)

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 the investment, the latest allocation of $300 million in funding to support behavioral health and developmental disabilities systems in Montana.

In a statement, Montana Consortium of Urban Indian Health Executive Director Jason Smith praised the investment.

“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 promotes the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in urban areas. It is dedicated to supporting Urban Indian Organizations in their mission to deliver healthcare services to these communities across Montana.

Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, said he appreciated the recommendation from the commission and tribal partners.

“All of Montana’s tribal communities work tirelessly to address the behavioral health needs for the people they serve,” Gianforte said in a statement. “This funding will enable us to come alongside their efforts to increase access to care and address existing gaps.”

The money can be used a variety of ways, according to the news release.

“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 UIHO will be tasked with submitting 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 in the nation with five member organizations, according to a spokesperson: 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 noted the $300 million investment was “a central component” of the governor’s budget, and in 2023, he signed House Bill 872, which allocated the funds .

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