Yellowstone Times

Montana State University is playing a key role in enhancing the state's mental health support workforce through a substantial federal grant. The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded a $2.39 million grant to MSU and the Montana Office for Rural Health and Area Education Center (MORH/AHEC) in 2024 to aid individuals battling substance use in rural areas.

The funding, part of a four-year initiative, continues the efforts of the Montana Family Support Program, which since 2020 has educated 140 Montanans as behavioral health paraprofessionals with over 100 hours of training. The new grant aims to train 108 additional paraprofessionals by 2028, specifically targeting the often underserved rural communities of Montana.

“MSU is a resource supporting the health of Montanans, everywhere from on campus to the most rural corners of our state,” stated Sarah Shannon, Dean of the nursing college at MSU. This grant will help train community health workers, community paramedics, behavioral health technicians, and recovery doulas to assist individuals, including those affected by opioid and substance use disorders.

The training, offered both online and in person, is primarily conducted by MORH/AHEC, part of MSU's College of Nursing. The program's courses cover skills such as naloxone administration, child welfare navigation, and aggressive behavior management, with optional apprenticeships for more advanced education.

According to Natalee Wheeler, the program is particularly focused on aiding youth and families with trauma-related challenges. Financial support from the grant also covers participant registration fees and stipends, with costs estimated at $10,000 per participant.

Beth Carter, a program coordinator at MORH/AHEC, highlighted the launch of a pioneering initiative to train doulas in rural areas, the first of its kind in the country. The program, in collaboration with One Health, aims to support pregnant and parenting women with a substance use or mental health history.

Director of MORH/AHEC Kailyn Mock emphasized the program's role in raising awareness about paraprofessional positions, providing a new career path for people from diverse backgrounds. Wheeler noted that paraprofessionals help connect individuals with resources and create treatment plans, often serving community members reluctant to engage with traditional mental health services.

Mark Logsdon, a community health worker, is one of the program trainees working on addressing food security while tackling health issues in Montana. The training has also empowered participants like a parent in Ronan to support their community more effectively.

According to Carter, the initiative has shown promising results. “I think the momentum and understanding of these roles is far greater than five years ago," she said. "There’s more to be done, but communities are seeing the return on investment – not just in dollars but in the actual impact they are making.”