EBS STAFF
Gallatin County partners are raising money to purchase and renovate a $3.55 million property for youth behavioral health resources.
According to an Oct. 2 press release from the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition, partners seek to raise $5.05 million to develop a youth behavioral health campus in Belgrade, serving youth experiencing behavioral health crises. The Human Resource Development Council, Gallatin County and the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are spearheading the effort.
“This initiative focuses on providing crisis and residential services for youth ages 11 to 18 in Gallatin, Park and Madison counties,” the release stated. According to the 2023 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which polled 481 participants, 14% of Gallatin County youth indicated they had attempted suicide in the past year..
“In 2023, Bozeman Health’s emergency department treated 276 youth (0 to 17) for behavioral health concerns,” the release stated. “Among them, 105 were discharged to inpatient psychiatric units in Helena, Billings, Idaho Falls, or elsewhere.”
“Our children who face acute mental health challenges often find themselves in treatment environments designed for adults, separated from their families and communities,” stated Christina Powell, Help Center CEO, in the release. “This campus offers a unique opportunity to create a truly child-centered space for healing, providing a comprehensive range of care and opportunities to reconnect with their vibrant selves.”
The 8977 Dry Creek Rd property was formerly Bootstrap Ranch, a Liberty Care facility for seniors with brain injuries, that closed due to rising costs of operations in the Gallatin Valley in 2023. The property is 30 acres and can service between eight to 26 children in mental health crises. There is also staff housing, a cafeteria, an activity building, gymnasium, commercial kitchen, barn and outhousing.
Gallatin County committed $1.5 million to the purchase of the $3.55 million campus. Acquisition, renovation and start-up programming costs are estimated at $1.55 million.
“YBGR will operate the campus, with HRDC purchasing the property and will transfer it to YBGR once start-up funding is secured,” the release stated. “HRDC closed on the property on August 30.”
