NAMI Montana 2023 Wrap Up and Gratitude

December 29, 2023

Fifteen Years at NAMI Montana: Reflecting on a Remarkable Year

This year marked my fifteenth anniversary with NAMI Montana. Each of these fifteen years has been meaningful, but this last year feels especially significant.

Below is a snapshot of what we were able to accomplish together. I am deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners—it’s remarkable what we can achieve collectively.

Highlights from the Past Year

• Expanded education and support groups statewide
  We increased the number and frequency of education and support groups for families and peers across Montana by transitioning from a volunteer-based model to paid trainers. This shift led to notable success in rural areas where volunteer recruitment had been a barrier. We also finalized an agreement with Montana DPHHS to support this model moving forward.

• Advanced youth suicide prevention efforts
  Continued support for the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program through Montana State University, which has now reached more than 30 Montana schools and recently received a major expansion grant.
  https://www.montana.edu/news/23358/montana-state-receives-grant-to-expand-statewide-youth-mental-health-program

• Helped rebuild Montana’s mental health system
  Sustained a multi-year policy effort to address damage caused by state budget cuts and COVID-19 workforce disruptions. Advocacy in 2021–2022 contributed to major 2023 investments, including funding for Montana State Hospital and a $300 million investment in Montana’s behavioral health system.

• Passed HB 557 (Rep. Jennifer Carlson)
  Secured funding for community crisis beds through the marijuana tax, with current projections of $1.6 million in supplemental crisis care support in 2024.

• Passed HB 286 (Rep. Mary Caferro)
  Funded research-proven youth suicide prevention initiatives through the marijuana tax.

• Passed SB 6 (Sen. Jen Gross)
  Improved management and support for individuals convicted as Guilty but Mentally Ill.

• Advanced federal veterans health policy
  Helped write the value-based care transition language (Section 201) of the Veterans’ Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency (HEALTH) Act of 2023, in partnership with Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas. This provision directs the VA to move from fee-for-service reimbursement toward capitated, value-based care.
  https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1315/text

• Laid groundwork for federal research reform
  Provided testimony to Senator Jon Tester’s Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, helping shape future mental health research policy.

• Published national suicide prevention research
  Partnered with Johns Hopkins and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to publish “A Guide for Schools on Student-Directed Suicide Prevention Programs Eligible for Implementation under the STANDUP Act.”
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37593936/

• Hosted the Montana Conference on Mental Illness
  Held the annual conference in Billings, featuring speakers on recovery, the Hannon Precision Mental Health Act, psychedelics, homelessness, and more.

• Record-setting NAMIWalk
  The Montana NAMIWalk raised over $120,000 for NAMI Montana and affiliates statewide.

• Expanded public awareness dramatically
  Launched a mental health awareness video series with country music singer and advocate Jason DeShaw, helping double traffic to the NAMI Montana website.

• Increased workplace mental health outreach
  Expanded the reach of our Mental Health in the Workplace presentations through statewide disability and employer insurance conferences.

Looking Ahead

It may sound a little cheesy after 15 years in my role and 35 years as an organization, but it truly feels like we’re just getting started. NAMI Montana continues to grow into the kind of organization that can meaningfully help Montanans living with mental health conditions—and their families.

We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Save the Date: Trans-Montana Charity Banquet

Please mark your calendars for the Trans-Montana Snowmobile Banquet:

• Date: February 3

• Location: Copper King, Butte

This fundraiser is critical to NAMI Montana’s work with youth and veterans.

Tickets are available here:
https://montanasnowmobileassociation.betterworld.org/events/msa-dinner-banquet-2024

Thank you again, and have a wonderful New Year.

Matt Kuntz
Executive Director
NAMI Montana