Reductions in Montana's Mental Illness Treatment Services

Dear NAMI Montana Members and Friends,

I know that a lot of you have read the articles about cuts to mental health services and you're worried. Those fears are justified. The State of Montana's budget is in tough shape and the weak economy has led to a sky rocketing demand for state-funded mental illness treatment. The reality is that it will be harder to access that care.

What We're Facing

Here is a breakdown of the cuts and service reductions as I see them based upon conversations with state personnel and an analysis of the available articles on the subject. (These articles are available at the News section of our website).

The most glaring reductions of services stem from the high demand on the Mental Health Service Plan (MHSP). The State is sharply reducing services, such as case management, and eliminating others, such as day treatment, to prevent MHSP from running out of money. On a personal level, these service reductions will really hurt many Montana families. On the state level, these service reductions risk funneling sick people from cost-effective outpatient care to more expensive placement at the Montana State Hospital or Department of Corrections.

The Governor canceled a $4.5 million renovation of the receiving hospital at the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs. On top of that $4.5 million, it looks like the Department of Public Health and Human Services is facing a 5% reduction in its budget. It would be a good bet to expect later cuts beyond that 5%.

NAMI Montana has asked the Governor's office to please consider all of the reductions in the mental illness treatment system, including the cancelled renovation at the State Hospital, to ensure that Montanans with serious mental illnesses and their families don't bear more than our share of the burden of the budget cuts.

How You Can Get Involved

The most effective method of getting your voice heard on this issue is to contact Governor Schwietzer's office directly. His phone number is (406) 444-3111. You can write to him through the Governor's website, http://governor.mt.gov/contact/commentsform.asp. You can also send him a letter at this address:

Governor Brian D. Schweitzer
Office of the Governor
Montana State Capitol Bldg.
P.O. Box 200801
Helena MT 59620-0801

It's your state and your mental illness treatment system. Don't be afraid to express your views on how that system should be affected by the upcoming budget cuts.

Sincerely,
Matt Kuntz
NAMI Montana