Montana Governor Proposes $30M Upgrade for Mental Health and Developmental Disability Facilities
Montana is gearing up for a significant transformation in its behavioral health system as Republican Governor Greg Gianforte’s administration dives into plans to enhance services for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. The proposed revamp includes relocating a facility for people with developmental disabilities, reinforcing renovations at the Montana State Hospital, and establishing a Helena unit of the psychiatric hospital.
State Senator Dave Fern, a key supporter of the proposed capital projects, emphasized the importance of responsibly transitioning individuals in and out of state facilities to optimize capacity and place individuals in suitable environments. The proposed changes are part of a broader initiative to address service gaps and help individuals transition successfully back into their communities.
The Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission, spearheaded by a 2023 law that allocated $300 million for system improvements, recommended utilizing approximately $100 million for 10 non-capital proposals from the commission. Within this pool of funds, up to $32.5 million is earmarked for construction and renovation projects, including the relocation of the Intensive Behavior Center for people with developmental disabilities, upgrading the Montana State Hospital’s infrastructure, and establishing a “step-down” facility for individuals transitioning out of the hospital’s care.
The state Department of Public Health and Human Services, along with consultants for the behavioral health commission, outlined potential capital investments in October. Subsequently, the commission approved recommendations presented by Health Department Director Charlie Brereton to Governor Gianforte for further consideration.
Under the proposed plans, the 12-bed Intensive Behavior Center may be moved from Boulder to Helena or Butte, with an estimated cost of up to $13.3 million. Additionally, a subacute facility with 16 beds could be established on the Shodair Children’s Hospital campus in Helena, catering to adults no longer requiring the intensive psychiatric services of the Montana State Hospital. Furthermore, a $19.2 million investment is on the table to upgrade the Montana State Hospital’s infrastructure at Warm Springs.
While the proposed changes aim to enhance services and address critical needs within the state’s behavioral health system, challenges such as staffing shortages and the loss of federal funding due to decertification remain at the forefront. State Senator Chris Pope emphasized the necessity of improving the existing Montana State Hospital rather than considering a relocation, citing the urgency to modernize the facility in its current setting.
As discussions unfold surrounding the proposed facility relocations and upgrades, community involvement and stakeholder engagement will play a crucial role in ensuring successful transitions. Drew Smith, a consultant with Alvarez & Marsal, highlighted the potential benefits of relocating the Intensive Behavior Center to a larger city, emphasizing the advantages of a more extensive labor pool and increased opportunities for community integration among residents.
Looking ahead, the establishment of a subacute facility for state hospital patients presents a promising pathway for individuals transitioning out of intensive care but still requiring a structured environment. Health officials anticipate contracting with a staffing company to operate the facility, leveraging existing infrastructure at the Shodair campus in Helena to support this initiative.
While the road ahead may pose challenges and uncertainties, the commitment to enhancing mental health and developmental disability services in Montana remains unwavering. As Governor Gianforte evaluates the proposed projects and the state legislature weighs in, the ultimate goal is to create a more robust, responsive, and inclusive behavioral health system for all Montanans.
