Governor Promotes Treatment Services On Hi-Line

At the Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center in Valley County, Gov. Greg Gianforte met with patients, staff and providers as he continued his 56 county tour on Friday, April 29.

“For too long, there’s been a stigma associated with mental health challenges and seeking treatment,” Gianforte said. “Facilities like the Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center in Glasgow have helped reduce that stigma, helping Montanans overcome mental health or addiction challenges.”

While at the health center, the governor met with patients and heard their deeply personal stories about seeking help and working to overcome mental health or addiction challenges. Through the Montana Assertive Community Treatment program, Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center is helping patients recover and regain their health.

“MACT allows us to provide an array of services to help people remain in their community, access networks of healthy support contacts, find employment, and get back on their feet,” office manager Mary Hughes said. “Thanks to the immense support of the Glasgow community, we’re seeing people blossom and begin reaching their full potential.”

Confronting the drug epidemic, expanding prevention programs, and increasing access to mental health and treatment services are central elements of the governor’s Montana Comeback Plan.

Also in Glasgow, the governor met with high school students participating in a workforce training program at Valley View, a licensed skilled nursing home facility. Through a partnership between Miles Community College and Glasgow School District, the program provides Career and Technical Education students hands on-training opportunities while they serve their community and begin health care careers as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

In Malta earlier in the day, the governor joined business owners for breakfast to discuss local economic development efforts as well as the administration’s work to spur job creation and economic growth.

After leaving Montana for five years, Derek Davis returned to Malta and launched his business, Davis Glassworks. Davis emphasized the importance of community in his decision to move back to Malta.

“I wouldn’t trade what our family has in Malta for the world. The community supports one another by shopping local, our business is growing, our family is together, and we’re raising our kids in a tight-knit community that truly feels like home.”

After breakfast, the governor toured Family Matters Inc., a co-op clothing store in Malta that serves customers along the Hi-Line and from Saskatchewan. Family Matters Inc. also works to promote business and recreation in Phillips County.

“Family Matters is a community staple, providing practical and quality clothing and footwear for the entire family, not only in Malta but all across the Hi-Line,” said Family Matters Inc. store manager Avery Sorensen. “With the community in mind, we keep prices within reason to help provide an affordable shopping experience.”