Since the sending of our last monthly newsletter, we never would have predicted that our Missoula friends would have experienced Category 2-strength hurricane winds and experienced the massive levels of destruction that they did. Seeing photos of trees uprooted from the ground, power lines snapped like toothpicks, and billboards and speed limit signs strewn about the highway were certainly remarkable sights to behold, and drove home the severity of the storm. Our thoughts are with all who were impacted by last Wednesday’s wild weather event. And our deep appreciation is with everyone who chipped in with helping hands, a truck, trailer, chainsaw, rake, gloves, a power outlet for a neighbor’s phone, or fridge space for a neighbor in need. Watching the community to together to give, and to receive help, is totally inspiring.
We sincerely hope summer is treating you well and you have managed to find some peace and quiet (and air conditioning) to enjoy Montana with your loved ones.
BHAM Welcomes New Executive Director, Sierra Riesberg:
I am so pleased to be joining the BHAM and am eager to meet and collaborate with each of you. Witnessing the remarkable achievements of BHAM has been truly inspiring, and I am eager to contribute to our shared mission of strengthening behavioral health care in Montana.
I am deeply committed to providing exceptional support to our most vulnerable communities, and I am passionate about continuing the vital work that BHAM does. I believe in the transformative power of our work, and as we move forward, I am excited to build upon the solid foundation BHAM has established, working together to elevate our organization and expand our impact. United in our purpose, I am confident that we can drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for those we serve, our members, and our partners.
Peer Support Summit September 6, 2024 in Helena:
The Montana Peer Support and Recovery Services Symposium will take place in Helena, MT on September 6, 2024.
Download a PDF version of the flyer here.
Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission (872 Commission):
The next meeting of the Future Generations Commission is scheduled for Aug. 8th in Helena. They will be finalizing their report in preparation of sending it to the Governor. They have had one meeting on July 23rd where they presented these recommendations to the interim legislative committees.
https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/FutureGenerations/BHSFGJLCMeeting7-23-2024.pdf
https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/FutureGenerations/BHSFGCommissionReport06-28-24.pdf
If you are interested in submitting comments to the commission for the meeting, please send them here:
https://mt.accessgov.com/dphhs/Forms/Page/bhdd/futuregenerationsfeedback/1
Children’s and Families Health and Human Services Interim Committee:
The CFHHS Interim Committee will continue to tackle reform of the Children and Families Services Division. You can sign up for virtual testimony and see the agendas here:
Meeting Information – Montana State Legislature (mt.gov)
The next meeting is schedule for September 11, 2024.
Interim Budget Committee, Part B:
The next meeting of the IBC, Part B will be September 18, 2024. You can view additional
information here once it’s posted:
https://leg.mt.gov/lfd/interim-budget-committee-section-b/
Please reach out to me if there is anything you need. When we work together, we can solve all the problems out there!
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Sierra
info@bhamt.org