Breaking Barriers in Rural Health

The Journey of Recovery interview series highlights the stories of Montanans with lived experiences of trauma, substance use and mental health struggles and who are on the path of recovery. These interviews share how people can move forward and empower others to do the same.

In this interview with Chaniel Grant, a coordinator with Healing to Wellness Court Projects, Mountain Pacific’s Sarah Byrnes learns how Chaniel’s connection to community has helped her on her journey of recovery.

The Journey of Recovery interview series highlights the stories of Montanans with lived experiences of trauma, substance use and mental health struggles and who are on the path of recovery. These interviews share how people can move forward and empower others to do the same.

In this episode, Mountain Pacific’s Sarah Byrnes interviews Mike McManus as he shares his experience as a veteran using recovery services and his work to provide recovery services through the Veteran’s Navigation Network. He also talks about the courage it takes to ask for help.

The Journey of Recovery interview series highlights the stories of Montanans with lived experiences of trauma, substance use and mental health struggles and who are on the path of recovery. These interviews share how people can move forward and empower others to do the same.

In this episode, Mountain Pacific’s Sarah Byrnes talks with Calvin Gone to discuss his experience with substance use, his recovery journey and how he is helping others find hope for a better tomorrow. 

The Journey of Recovery interview series highlights the stories of Montanans with lived experiences of trauma, substance use and mental health struggles and who are on the path of recovery. These interviews share how people can move forward and empower others to do the same.

In this episode, Mountain Pacific’s Sarah Byrnes discusses with Bryan German his experience with the correctional system and what he is doing to help support others on their journey of recovery by valuing the person and not defining them by past actions.

In this episode, we sit with Flora McCormick and learn about Project Launch and early childhood mental health consultations (ECMHCs), and how they are combatting the social isolation of the pandemic to provide the best possible social and emotional well-being for our children. We also learn about the value of emotional intelligence at a young age and how ECMHCs are helping bolster the skills and tools of parents, caregivers and early childhood educators, so they can best support children in their care.

For more information, contact Amber Rogers at [email protected].

Sustainable Parenting podcast: https://sustainableparenting.buzzsprout.com/ 

We speak with teachers, middle school and high school students from Lockwood, Montana, about how Hope Squad has empowered them to take a more proactive role in preventing suicide in their schools. Learn how education, training and open discussions have connected students and adults to reduce the stigma around mental health issues, talking about suicide and seeking professional help when needed. 

In this episode, our guests Capt. Kimberly Westfall and Tech Sgt. Elijah Gutierrez of the Alaska National Guard’s Counter Drug Support Program explain that, while vulnerabilities often exist in rural drug treatment and harm reduction, a number of support factors unique to rural life also exist. Learn how the Alaska National Guard’s Counterdrug Advisory Council has recently received national recognition for their work using these support factors to reduce stigma, increase access to harm reduction services, unify coalition partners and unite communities across the largest state in America.

To contact the coordinator for your state or territory’s Counter Drug Support Program, you can reach out to Technical Sergeant Elijah Gutierrez at [email protected].

We talk with Dr. Sarah Spencer and Annette Hubbard of the Ninilchik Traditional Council to discuss how connecting social services like Child Protective Services, local food banks, police and sheriff departments with each other can lead to warm handoffs and improved outcomes for those struggling with substance use disorder. Learn how syringe access programs, open and honest conversations about recovery and medication-assisted treatment can significantly reduce the risk of overdose death, the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S., especially in isolated, rural communities where medical services are not always readily available.

We talk with Tammera Nauts from the Montana Primary Care Association about how Montana is one of only three states to implement a contingency management program for stimulant use disorder. Called Treatment of Users of Stimulants, or TRUST, this revolutionary program provides a scaling reward to those seeking treatment for the use of stimulants like methamphetamines. 

Those who wish to learn more about or implement this program within their facilities can learn more at https://www.mtpca.org/ or by contacting Tammera Nauts at [email protected].

We talk with Alaska itinerant public health nurses Denise Damewood and Claire Geldhof about Project Gabe, an effort stemmed in saving lives from opioid abuse and overdoses through the right tools, education and partnerships. Learn how any community can take and adapt Project Gabe to tackle stigma around substance use disorder, educate communities about naloxone and other life-saving tactics and work together to prevent opioid overdose deaths.