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Montana's homelessness problem is a combination of unprecedented growth, mental health problems and higher housing costs, according to groups working to shelter more people. (2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report)

MT homeless population increase leads the nation

A new report shows Montana has the nation's most rapidly rising homeless population. Advocates for more affordable housing call the situation …

Montana doctors and nurses say state law is not clear about whether health care workers can access mental health and addiction treatment without notifying the boards overseeing them. (Adobe Stock)

Montana clinicians want confidential mental health treatment

By Katheryn Houghton for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service …

Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed SB 442 after the Montana Legislature adjourned, which could affect veterans' programs and other services. Critics of the veto now want lawmakers to override it. (Adobe Stock)

MT military veterans support veto override

A Montana court has denied Gov. Greg Gianforte's attempt to stop the Legislature from having an opportunity to override his veto of a bill that …

While they are common, emotional support animals may be animals other than dogs. (Adobe Stock)

Increased renter restrictions target emotional-support animals

Fair-housing advocates are concerned about changes the Legislature made to tighten restrictions on emotional-support animals for Montana renters…

The rate of children under age 19 without health insurance dropped to 5% in 2021, an estimated 4,165,000 million kids nationwide, down from 6% in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Kids Study Shows Dramatic Lack of Montana Child Care

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book ranks Montana 18th nationally in overall child well-being. The just-released numbers showed …

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's saves costs of medical and long-term care, both for families and the U.S. government, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MT Mental Health Advocates Push for Access to Alzheimer's Treatment

During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, doctors are encouraged by the results of two new drugs being used in clinical trials. In Montana…

About 20% of Americans living in rural areas, or about 6.5 million people, have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Address Rural-Urban Mental-Health Care Gap

A new report underscores the challenges of getting mental health treatment when living in rural areas, like much of Montana. The Bipartisan Policy …

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, one in 13 people globally suffers from anxiety disorders. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Advocates Claim Success at MT Legislature

Montana's mental health advocates said state lawmakers addressed many of the state's pressing needs in the just-completed legislative session…

Senate Bill 442 would have appropriated $30 million to Habitat Montana, the state's premier environmental conservation program. (Adobe Stock)

MT Gov. Vetoes Key Environmental Bill; Supporters Still Hopeful

Despite the veto of a key piece of Montana environmental legislation, advocates are not giving up on the measure becoming law - even though the state …

A bill that could threaten transgender people's legal rights in Montana has passed the Senate and is in the House. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

MT Coalition Stands Up Against Anti-Trans Bills

As the Montana Legislature considers bills that target transgender people, a coalition of groups in the state wants impacted folks to know they stand …

Unlike other states, which decided on this issue through ballot initiatives, medical aid in dying was legalized through the state Supreme Court in Montana. (CameraCraft/Adobe Stock)

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

A bill in the Montana Legislature would roll back access to medical aid-in-dying options at the end of someone's life - access that has been guarantee…

About 18,000 Montana kids will experience the loss of a family member by the time they're 18. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

MT Hosts Conference on Supporting Grieving Children

A touring conference from the National Alliance for Children's Grief comes to Montana this week. The event will be in Whitefish on Tuesday. The …

Report: MT 20th in Child Well-Being; Mental Health Remains an Issue

Montana ranks in the upper half of states for child wellbeing, according to an annual report. But mental health among young people remains a concern…

In 2020, Congress enacted a law to designate 988 as the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. (7N23/Adobe Stock)

Amid High Suicide Rates, MT Welcomes Retooled Crisis Line

A new hotline number is launching to help stem the growing suicide crisis, in Montana and across the United States. Starting Saturday, people facing …

Despite a limited number across the state, some Montana school districts didn't prioritize counselors with COVID-19 relief funds. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Teen Depression Underscores Important Role of School Counselors

More than two years into the pandemic, depression among teenagers is up, and one way to support kids' mental health could be through school …

About 52,000 children were living in households with high housing cost burdens in 2019. (melissadoar/Adobe Stock)

Discouraging Trends for MT Children Leading into Pandemic, Data Shows

HELENA, Mont. -- Troubling trends in Montana may have made the pandemic harder for children, a new report shows. The latest Annie E. Casey's KIDS …

The latest COVID-19 relief package includes $4 billion in aid to the food supply chain, including direct relief for farmers. (nyker/Adobe Stock)

Rural, Farming Communities to Gain from COVID-19 Relief

HELENA, Mont. -- Rural communities are big beneficiaries from the COVID-19 relief bill Congress passed on Wednesday. The $1.9 trillion bill has some …

More than 230 Montanans died by suicide in 2020. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

MT Lawmakers Consider Boosting State's Suicide Prevention Efforts

HELENA, Mont. -- Suicide takes a heavy toll on Montana. In this session, lawmakers are considering efforts to strengthen the state's Suicide …

COVID-19 has spread in correctional facilities across the country. (William/Adobe Stock)

Groups Want MT to Go Further to Protect Prisons' Vulnerable

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has issued a directive designed to protect Montanans in prison against COVID-19. But advocacy groups …

Montana farmers have received less than 1% of the federal subsidies to offset losses from the trade war. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Many MT Farmers Happy to Have 2019 in the Rearview

HELENA, Mont. -- If Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer could describe 2019 for farmers in one word, it would be "struggle." While …

Research finds kids learn better when they have a good night's sleep � and powering down cell phones and other screens could be key. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

With Kids Back in School, Doctors Affirm No Screens Before Bedtime

HELENA, Mont. – With school back in session, doctors are saying, “Well, your mom is right – time to turn the phone off and get to …

The United States' suicide rate increased 60% between 1999 and 2017. (Michail Petrov/AdobeStock)

MT Psychologist: Time to Rethink Suicide Prevention

BOZEMAN, Mont. – A Montana psychologist wants folks to get a new perspective on an issue that is plaguing the state – suicide. Montana …

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected access to places like Montana's Smith River. (U.S. Forest Service Northern Region)

Veterans: Congress Should Reauthorize Key Public Lands Program

HELENA, Mont. – Some U.S. military veterans want Congress to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund…

In a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of respondents said schools need to change how they teach Native American history and culture. (Ryan Red Corn)

Report Offers "Road Map" for Native Americans to Shed Stereotypes

HELENA, Mont. – A new report explores how Native Americans are perceived in the United States, and according to one of its project leaders…

New research finds taking a hike makes people feel better about their bodies. (daveynin/Flickr)

Research: Hikers Feel Better Looking in the Mirror

HELENA, Mont. – Montanans have access to an abundance of what the doctor ordered to promote a more positive body image – the outdoors…

Alzheimer's Population to Double by 2060; Is MT Ready?

HELENA, Mont. – The number of people with Alzheimer's symptoms will more than double in the coming decades. Is Montana ready for this dramatic …

TaNeel Filesteel is an Indigenous Generation ambassador who helped with the State of Native Youth Report and deputy prosecutor at the Fort Belknap reservation. (Jason Packineau/Harvard University Native American Program)

Report Highlights State of Native Youth

HELENA, Mont. – A new report assesses the state of native youth in Montana and across the country. The second annual report from the Aspen …

Montana officials rescued 5 minors and 22 adults from human trafficking last year. (Imagens Evang�licas/Flickr)

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Recognizes "Heinous" Crime

HELENA, Mont. – Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and Montana is not immune to the crime often referred to as modern-day …

The hectic holidays can take a toll on a person's health, but there also are simple strategies to minimize this seasonal stress. (quinntheislander/Pixabay)

Tips to Stay Afloat in Chaos of the Holidays

HELENA, Mont. - This time of year, many people focus on fun parties, quality family time and gift-giving, but it can lead some to get caught up in …

Today the country honors its military veterans, including nearly 100,000 in Montana. (jennifer1051/Pixabay)

Trump Needs to Stand By Veterans, Advocates Say

HELENA, MT – Montana has 3,000 residents who are active-duty military members and nearly 100,000 veterans. One of the largest advocacy groups …

Sending young people to prison doesn't work, according to research that suggests an entirely new system is needed. (Michael Coghlan/Flickr)

Youth Prisons Don't Work, Report Says

HELENA, Mont. – A new report from The Annie E. Casey Foundation pulls together evidence of the ineffectiveness of youth correctional facilities…

More U.S. troops from low-income communities who were deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have limited access to healthcare services, according to a new study. (Skeeze/Pixabay)

'Unequal Burden' of War for U.S. Troops from Low-Income Areas

HELENA, Mont. – The scars of war might be deeper for soldiers who come from poorer areas of the country, according to a new study. Francis …

Shawn Dailey, a client at the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder, which is scheduled to close by the end of the year. (Carol Dailey)

Plans to Close Montana Developmental Center Generate Concern

BOULDER, Mont. - Today a committee appointed by the governor is meeting to discuss the transfer of 52 severely developmentally disabled people from …

Lethal injection faces a major roadblock in Montana. Credit: davidhills/iStock

Death Penalty Stalemate in Montana

HELENA, Mont. - The death penalty is at a stalemate in Montana, after a judge blocked the use of a particular lethal injection drug on Tuesday…

Experts from around the country are in Arizona to talk about juvenile justice reform, including ending solitary confinement. Credit: Alptraum/iStock

Juvy Justice Conference: End Solitary Confinement

HELENA, Mont. - No more solitary confinement for kids. The harm it causes, including deaths, is too great, according to experts attending a …

The rate of suicide for Montana children ages 10 to 17 is more than double the national rate, and young people in Montana are most likely to kill themselves with guns. Credit: Montana Kids Count.

MT Youth Suicide Rate Twice the National Rate

HELENA, Mont. – The rate of suicide for Montana children ages 10 to 17 is more than double the national rate, and young people in Montana are …

PHOTO: Afghan war veteran Tristan Perisco of Missoula was honored Tuesday at the White House, receiving a

Missoula Afghan War Vet Honored at White House

WASHINGTON - Tristan Perisco of Missoula was honored Tuesday at the White House, receiving a "Champions of Change" award for his work in helping …

PHOTO: A new report from the Center for Rural Affairs finds that people living in small towns and rural areas are most likely to affected by the

Report: Medicaid Gap Hits MT, Rural States Hardest

HELENA, Mont. - Today is the deadline for applying for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and because Montana did not accept federal Medicaid …

Practicing Gratitude Improves the Attitude

HELENA, Mont. – Gratitude can change your attitude, and maybe even your health. With the season of giving and thankfulness underway, Wickes …

PHOTO: AARP Montana is making the case that showing respect to veterans should include a guarantee under Social Security. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Veterans Day Plea from AARP

HELENA, Mont. - Veteran’s Day has strong meaning in Montana. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the state is home to the second-…

PHOTO: One in four Americans suffers from some form of mental illness, according to NAMI. There's a free public lecture about bipolar disorder and schizophrenia at 7 p.m. today, Hager Auditorium of Montana State University's Museum of the Rockies. Image courtesy of NAMI.

Mental Illness Awareness Week: 1 in 4 Have It

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Creating more awareness about services available for people dealing with mental illness is the focus this week of Mental …

PHOTO: Community Health Centers in Montana will share $1.4 million to help get people connected to insurance coverage - as required under the Affordable Care Act. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

New Health Insurance Navigators for Montana

HELENA, Mont. - Montana Community Health Centers have been enlisted to help get people signed up for health insurance coverage, something required of …

Several groups in Montana are circulating a petition � asking the Legislature to come back and take another vote on Medicaid expansion.

Petition Circulated for Medicaid Expansion

HELENA, Mont. - Several groups in Montana are circulating an online petition, asking the Legislature to come back and take another vote on Medicaid …

PHOTO: Montanans wait to testify at a House hearing about expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Photo credit: Montana Women Vote.

Report: Medicaid Expansion Would Benefit 4,000 MT Veterans

HELENA, Mont. - Montana lawmakers listened to about 60 people testify Monday afternoon about whether to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable …

PHOTO: The youth incarceration rate in Montana has dropped by 28-percent, due to changes in policies on not sending low-level offenders to detention facilities.

Montana’s Youth Incarceration Rate Drops

MISSOULA, Mont. - The number of youths behind bars in Montana has dropped, mirroring a nationwide trend. A report released today by the Annie E…

“Sportsmen’s Heritage Act” on Congressional Docket

SEELEY LAKE, Mont. - The Wilderness Act of 1964 could see big changes under a bill in the U.S. House that will be voted on soon, as early as today…

Report: Jailing is Failing Kids, Public Safety and Taxpayers

HELENA, Mont. - When kids act up, locking them up is the wrong thing to do in most cases. A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation delivers …

Foster Care Report Highlights Importance of Family

HELENA, Mont. - A new Kids Count data snapshot of foster care in the U.S. shows a slight decline in the overall number of children in care, but it …

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MT: Mental Health