BOZEMAN – Montana State University (MSU) is spearheading a significant initiative to enhance mental health services and support individuals facing substance use challenges in rural Montana. The university, in collaboration with the Montana Office for Rural Health and Area Education Center (MORH/AHEC), has been awarded a $2.39 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
This four-year grant, announced in 2024, builds upon the Montana Family Support Program, which has been operational since 2020. The program has already trained 140 Montanans as behavioral health paraprofessionals, providing over 100 hours of instructional support. The new funding will expand these efforts, aiming to train an additional 108 paraprofessionals by 2028, thereby increasing mental health support in rural areas where healthcare services are often limited.
The training programs, offered both online and in-person, are primarily hosted by MORH/AHEC, which operates under the MSU Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. The initiative is open to individuals from diverse educational backgrounds, whether they are seeking to volunteer or pursue a career in the behavioral health field. MSU students and graduates have also been active participants. According to Dean Sarah Shannon of the nursing college, the program reflects MSU’s broader commitment to supporting the health of all Montanans, including those in rural regions.
“This project directly reflects our mission as a land-grant university, showcasing to current and future students that MSU is a resource supporting the health of Montanans, everywhere from on campus to the most rural corners of our state,” Shannon said.
The program’s goal is to train 27 paraprofessionals annually, consisting of 11 community health workers, three community paramedics, five behavioral health technicians, and for the first time, eight recovery doulas. These individuals will help support youth and families dealing with trauma, including opioid and substance use disorders.
Natalee Wheeler, behavioral health project and training coordinator at MORH/AHEC, emphasized that the core training modules will be supplemented with additional skill-building opportunities. Participants will learn to administer naloxone, navigate the child welfare system, and manage aggressive behaviors. For those seeking more advanced training, an optional apprenticeship is available.
The grant funds will cover participant registration fees and stipends, with each participant receiving approximately $10,000 for around 100 hours of training. Additionally, the funding will support a new program aimed at training doulas in rural areas to assist pregnant and parenting women with histories of substance use or mental health issues. This program, in collaboration with One Health, a Community Health Center consortium, launched its first cohort in October 2024 and is the first of its kind in the nation. The success of this program has already garnered interest from other states looking to replicate it.
Beyond workforce development, the initiative also seeks to raise awareness of the critical role paraprofessionals play in the mental health field. According to Kailyn Mock, director of MORH/AHEC, the program serves as a pathway for individuals without medical or health-related degrees to enter the field and contribute to their communities. Trained paraprofessionals may work in various roles, such as patient navigators, outreach workers, or case managers, often serving as a vital link between healthcare providers and patients.
“These community members are the ones often conducting home visits, ensuring individuals have access to groceries or transportation for medical appointments. They act as advocates, helping people navigate available resources,” said Beth Carter, program coordinator at MORH/AHEC.
Participants also have the opportunity to further their expertise by taking multiple trainings. For instance, someone working with a patient recovering from substance use may also benefit from suicide prevention training, enabling them to spot warning signs and offer additional support. As Wheeler noted, paraprofessionals can often connect with at-risk populations, such as teenagers, who may be more open to engaging with a paraprofessional than a therapist.
Ultimately, the program’s goal is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, offering a less intimidating entry point for individuals in need of support. Paraprofessionals can help connect individuals with additional resources and create comprehensive treatment plans to address their unique needs.
