Montanans In Crisis

Montana governor, Steve Bullock, is introducing a NEW crisis service prevention tool that will allow those in crisis to access HELP through test messaging. The Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 access to crisis counselors through a familiar format that's especially appealing to youth: TEXT MESSAGE! To access this service, Montanans who prefer to communicate via text message can text 'mt' to the number 741-741 & a Crisis Counselor will respond IMMEDIATELY to provide assistance. Montana has struggled with high suicide rates for generations. Over the past 10 years suicide has been the 2nd leading cause of death for children ages 10-14, adolescents ages 15-24 & adults ages 25-44. In 2014, Montana had the highest number of suicide deaths per capita in the United States, with 251 deaths & a rate of 24.5% per 100,000 populations. Matt Kuntz, Executive Director NAMI Montana, says "The combination of crisis text lines & youth crisis services are strong steps forward in caring for Montana's youth who experience a mental health crisis. Speaking of "Mental Health... our Center 4 Mental Health Advisory Board will be meeting this Thursday at noon out at Ringside Ribs in Shelby.