Advocacy Opportunity: Ask Governor Gianforte to Automate the Montana Medicaid Community Engagement Analysis

NAMI Montana commends Senator Jon Tester for nominating Diane Carlson Evans for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her impactful advocacy for Montana veterans. Diane is celebrated for her key role in establishing the Vietnam Women's Memorial, honoring the service of U.S. women in the Vietnam War. Additionally, she significantly aided NAMI Montana's federal veterans advocacy, particularly influencing policies on mental health screening for service members. Diane also helped establish a Vet Center in Helena, enhancing support for combat veterans. NAMI Montana encourages public support for Diane’s nomination, highlighting her national influence on veterans' advocacy.

The TransMontana charity snowmobile ride, a cornerstone event organized by the Montana Snowmobile Association for NAMI Montana's veteran and youth mental health initiatives, marked its tenth year with resilience. Despite the cancellation of the ride due to insufficient snow, the community's spirit remained undeterred. A banquet in Butte replaced the ride, celebrating the enduring support and commitment of the riders, donors, and volunteers. Notably, no participant requested a refund, showcasing the deep dedication to the cause. The event raised vital funds for NAMI Montana's work with youth and veterans, highlighting the power of a committed community to drive change and support mental health care in Montana.

This blog post expresses gratitude for the support NAMI Montana received in the past year, despite facing significant challenges. Key achievements highlighted include:

• Expanding access to mental health support groups and educational programs.

• Partnering with MSU to deliver youth mental health education.

• Providing crucial guidance and support to Montanans navigating mental health and legal systems.

• Advocating for legislative changes to improve veterans' mental health care and access to innovative treatments.

• Hosting a successful conference to share knowledge and gather community input.

• Introducing new legislation to address the mental health needs of veterans affected by traumatic brain injuries.

The post emphasizes the crucial role of donors and partners in enabling these accomplishments and expresses optimism for the future, acknowledging the ongoing work ahead, particularly during the upcoming legislative session.