Custer County Urgently Seeks Input on New Mental Health Facility
UPDATE: Custer County officials are actively seeking community feedback as they consider a bid for the location of a new Montana state mental health facility. Residents have until 11:59 PM on November 4, 2023, to participate in an online survey that could significantly impact the future of mental health services in the region.
The urgency of this survey stems from Montana’s current lack of adequate mental health facilities. Currently, the only state hospital is the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, which struggles to serve the rising number of forensic patients involved in the criminal justice system. In response, the Montana State Legislature passed HB 5, allocating $26.5 million to establish a new forensic behavioral health facility in eastern Montana, as signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte on June 19, 2023.
The proposed facility aims to address the growing need for mental health services, with a capacity of 32 beds. It will not only serve forensic patients but also be designed for scalability to accommodate civil commitments in the future. The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is spearheading the project, and they have recently issued a call for proposals for potential locations.
Custer County’s survey is critical—community support accounts for 30 percent of the scoring criteria for project consideration. County commissioners emphasize the importance of resident feedback before submitting an application for site approval and construction. They believe that Custer County’s central location in eastern Montana makes it an ideal candidate for this facility.
Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions through a simple survey, which consists of one main question and a space for additional comments. The survey can be accessed online via a provided link, QR code, or by visiting https://arcg.is/004v8L1.
The commissioners argue that establishing the facility in Custer County would not only enhance mental health services but also create professional jobs related to evaluations and treatments, along with additional trade and general labor opportunities.
It’s crucial to note that while the facility will cater primarily to individuals in the criminal justice system, those who complete their treatment will not be released back into the community. Instead, they will return to the oversight of the justice system or their original communities, ensuring public safety remains a priority.
As the deadline approaches, Custer County officials are urging all residents to participate in the survey to ensure their voices are heard. The outcome of this community feedback could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health services in the area.
Stay informed on this developing story and make your voice count before the November 4 deadline.
