County approves DPHHS behavioral health grant amendment to fund a care-coordinator FTE

Flathead County commissioners approved an amendment to a three-year DPHHS behavioral health diversion grant that reallocates existing grant funds to create up to one new full-time equivalent (FTE) staff member in the county's behavioral health division.

James Pike, behavioral health supervisor for the county health department, said the amendment pools underutilized line items to fund a centralized care coordinator. "That staff person will serve in my division. They will not serve directly on the mobile crisis team, but they will serve as a primary contact and referral coordinator," Pike said. He added the position will support proactive outreach to keep individuals from reaching crisis and will expand reentry work at the detention center.

Pike also said the grant amendment changes the project's point of contact to him and slightly expands allowable reimbursements for the Glacier House facility to help get it operating. Commissioners asked about timelines for Glacier House opening; Pike said jobs have been posted and the merged organization (AWARE with Western Montana Mental Health) is in a 120-day review period, with legal merger likely by May or June.

Why it matters: the amendment creates staff capacity aimed at reducing crisis calls and improving reentry supports. Pike said the state has signaled the grant will reopen for applications in the fall and that the Legislature had indicated a goal of sustaining positions through state funding.

Next steps: commissioners approved the amendment; staff will return the signed DocuSign and coordinate required forms, including an NDAA 889 form for grant-related equipment.