May 2026 Newsletter
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
988 Lifeline Linked to Fewer Youth Suicides
A new JAMA research letter found that suicide deaths among adolescents and young adults ages 15–34 were lower than expected after the national launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2022.
From July 2022 through December 2024, researchers estimated 4,372 fewer suicides among this age group than projected based on pre-988 trends. States with the largest increases in answered 988 calls saw even greater reductions, highlighting the importance of strong crisis response systems and continued investment in mental health support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Montana Warns Consumers About Misleading Health Insurance Plans
Montana Insurance Commissioner James Brown has issued a cease-and-desist order against Strategic Limited Partners, an unlicensed company accused of selling misleading health insurance plans to Montanans.
Several consumers believed they had enrolled in ACA-compliant coverage, only to later discover their medical claims were denied or barely covered. Commissioner Brown encourages Montanans to carefully review any health plan before signing up, especially if it promises unusually low premiums, low deductibles, or unlimited coverage.
Questions about a plan? Contact the Montana Insurance Consumer Service Bureau at 800-332-6148 or 406-444-2040.
Volunteer Facilitator Training
May 16 and 17 in Helena
If you’re interested in participating in our next Family Support Group Facilitator, Family-to-Family, or NAMI Connections Trainings, please reach out to us to sign up.
Training: NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator
When: Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, 17th
Where: Helena, MT
NAMI Family-to-Family Training
NAMI Montana is seeking trained volunteers with lived experience as family members of someone with a mental health condition to lead its 8-session Family-to-Family program. Volunteers help family members, partners, and friends of people living with mental health conditions find support, understanding, and tools for advocacy.
April’s NAMI Family-to-Family Education Training Group
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Training
The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a peer-led space for adults living with mental health conditions. Facilitators help create a safe, supportive environment where participants can share openly, learn from one another, and be reminded that recovery is possible.
April’s NAMI Connection Recovery Support Training Group
Changes to Medicaid Coming July 1, 2026
Montana has launched a new website to help residents understand upcoming Medicaid changes that take effect July 1. According to DPHHS, key updates include more frequent eligibility check-ins, new reporting and verification requirements, and a monthly community engagement requirement for many adults on Medicaid Expansion unless they qualify for an exemption.
For those ages 19 to 64 who are not exempt, that means 80 hours per month of approved activities such as work, school, job training, or volunteering. DPHHS is encouraging members to read their mail, keep contact information current, and report changes quickly to avoid interruptions in coverage. The new site also includes FAQs, application help, and next steps for current members.
Resources & Ways to Connect
Whether you’re looking for support, searching for local mental health resources, or hoping to get more involved, NAMI Montana is here to help.
Find Support
Our free, confidential peer-led support groups connect Montanans with others who understand what they’re going through.
Find Resources Near You
Explore NAMI Montana’s free county resource guides for local crisis lines, providers, support options, and other mental health resources.
Stay Connected
Follow NAMI Montana and your local affiliate on social media for resources, upcoming events, advocacy updates, and more.
Help Bring Support to Rural Montana
Thanks to a grant from Intermountain Healthcare, NAMI Montana is working to expand peer-led support groups into at least five new rural communities, giving more Montanans access to mental health support closer to home.
If you’d like to help start a NAMI support group in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
NAMI Montana can help you get started with facilitator training, resources, and connections to your nearest NAMI affiliate.
It only takes two people to start a NAMI support group.
If you live in a rural Montana community and have ever thought someone should start something like this here, we want to hear from you.
Contact us: colleen@namimt.org or 406-443-7871.
Support NAMI Montana
Your support helps keep programs, education, resources, and support groups free for Montanans who need them.
If you're in a position to give or are thinking about your legacy, we'd be honored to be part of it.