$75,000 Grant boosts mental health services at St. Luke

St. Luke Community Healthcare has received a $75,000 grant that will allow the hospital to expand access to behavioral health services in their clinics.

The two-year grant was awarded by the Montana Healthcare Foundation.

According to the hospital, the funding will help increase access to mental health and substance use treatment for St. Ignatius, Ronan and Polson residents and the surrounding communities.

“Mental health has been identified as a critical healthcare issue for our community, and therefore is an important strategic initiative for St. Luke,” said Steve Todd, CEO of St. Luke Community Healthcare. “Currently, we are working to screen all patients over the age of 11 for mental health issues. This grant will allow us to strengthen our screening efforts and provide interventions and treatment for patients who are at higher risk for depression and substance use through telespychiartry services, case management and counseling.”

The hospital notes that integrated behavioral health helps primary care physicians provide more comprehensive care, with improved outcomes for illnesses ranging from diabetes to depression. Integrated behavioral health has also demonstrated reduced health care costs through early diagnosis and treatment, which can lower the chances of medical emergencies down the road, according to the hospital.

The Montana Healthcare Foundation’s goal is to achieve widespread implementation of integrated behavioral health by building a cohort of innovative primary care practices around the state. To date, this initiative has reached 50 hospitals and clinics across the state.