BACKGROUND
The Governor is proposing a plan to address critical issues in the state’s ability to provide mental health services to individuals with severe and disabling mental illness. The proposal creates a funding and programmatic framework for strengthening services. The specific items in the proposal span the continuum of care from community based health promotion, prevention, out-patient services, crisis intervention, and acute care services, to measures that support ultimate stability in the community.
There are four distinct program components in the proposed framework:
- Expanded Community Mental Health Services.
- Behavioral Health Inpatient Facility site planning.
- Forensic Unit D Wing Improvements at the Montana State Hospital.
- Dementia Treatment Unit at the Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center.
ACTION
The League will support legislation to develop and implement the proposal to provide mental health services to individuals with severe and disabling mental illness. The League also supports prevention and early intervention efforts by supporting children’s mental health and crisis diversion.
