What's Happening?
Missoula's mobile support team, which provides crisis response services, is exploring expansion to 24/7 coverage despite ongoing funding challenges. The team recently received a four-year federal grant of approximately $726,650 annually, which will facilitate
this potential expansion. However, program leaders caution that this funding alone does not guarantee round-the-clock service due to the inherent difficulties in sustainably funding crisis services. The team, a collaboration between the city of Missoula, Missoula County, and Partnership Health Center, was established in October 2020 to address mental health crises and reduce reliance on jails and hospitals. The number of calls responded to by the team has increased by about 140% from 2021 to 2025, indicating a growing need for their services. Other Montana cities like Great Falls and Billings have previously ended their mobile crisis programs due to funding issues, though plans are underway to restart them.
Why It's Important?
The efforts by Missoula's mobile crisis team to expand services highlight a critical need for accessible mental health support and a shift in how communities respond to behavioral health emergencies. By diverting individuals from emergency rooms and jails, these teams can provide more appropriate and effective care, potentially leading to better outcomes and reduced costs for the healthcare and justice systems. The funding challenges faced by Missoula and other Montana cities underscore the broader issue of securing sustainable, long-term financial support for essential crisis services. The reliance on grants, while beneficial, often creates uncertainty and can hinder consistent service delivery. The success of Missoula's expansion could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar issues, demonstrating the value of integrated crisis response and the importance of stable funding mechanisms.
What's Next?
With the new federal grant, Missoula's mobile support team will evaluate the optimal timing for expanding its hours, likely starting with increased daily coverage before potentially moving to 24/7 service. The team plans to use data and performance metrics to guide this phased expansion, ensuring it is smart and sustainable. They are also exploring partnerships with other organizations, such as the statewide nonprofit Aware, which requires a 24/7 mobile crisis service in the community. The long-term sustainability of the program will depend on securing consistent funding beyond the federal grant, potentially through increased state and federal support, and exploring higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for 24/7 coverage. The goal is to create a robust and reliable crisis response system that can meet the growing demand for services in Missoula.
Beyond the Headlines
The struggle to fund mobile crisis teams like Missoula's points to a systemic challenge in how society values and funds mental health services compared to other emergency services. While fire departments and police receive stable, tax-based funding, mental health crisis response often relies on grants and variable reimbursement rates, making long-term planning difficult. This disparity reflects a broader societal issue where mental health is not always treated with the same urgency or resource allocation as physical health or public safety. The increasing call volume for Missoula's team, and the closure of similar programs in other cities, underscores the human cost of inadequate funding. A shift in perspective, viewing crisis response as an essential public service deserving of stable, dedicated funding, could lead to more resilient communities and better support for individuals in mental health crises.
