The Montana Gap

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Look at statewide numbers and Montana’s economy seems to be doing well. Between 2000 and 2015, the number of jobs in the state of Montana grew 20 percent, according to a report released last year by Headwaters Economics. Personal income grew, as did statewide employment.

If you live outside a city, though, there’s a good chance you won’t see much evidence of that growth. In small towns, contracting economies, shrinking population and social issues including a lack of mental health services offer mounting challenges. For a year, a group of journalists from western Montana, supported by High Country News and the Solutions Journalism Network, have investigated what Montana communities are doing to be resilient to change, from economic shifts to mental health. This project is funded by the LOR Foundation.

Small towns under the Big Sky address challenges to secure their future, as centers boom.
As Montana ages, community can help combat loneliness
As Montana ages, community can help combat loneliness
Fostering connections boosts elders’ physical as well as mental health.
Erika Fredrickson July 26, 2018
Counties lacking mental health providers turn to technology
Counties lacking mental health providers turn to technology
A Montana clinic’s telemedicine network helps far-away patients receive care.
Zachariah Bryan July 25, 2018
In a state troubled by suicide, teens learn mental health skills
In a state troubled by suicide, teens learn mental health skills
A Swedish program takes root in Montana classrooms.
Melody Martinsen July 24, 2018
How a Montana school is combating bullying and suicide
How a Montana school is combating bullying and suicide
An assembly acknowledges elementary students’ pain and teaches them to speak up.
Andi Bourne July 20, 2018
The lifelong consequences of childhood trauma
The lifelong consequences of childhood trauma
Harrowing experiences can spark health issues and substance abuse into adulthood.
Kathi Beeks July 17, 2018
What gun shops can do to help prevent suicide
What gun shops can do to help prevent suicide
Montana’s arms dealers could learn from a model in New Hampshire.
Zachariah Bryan Analysis July 17, 2018
Montanans must rely on each other in crisis
Montanans must rely on each other in crisis
A network of local providers steps in as vital mental health centers close.
John Blodgett July 16, 2018
Suicide and loss: A mother reflects on her son’s death
Suicide and loss: A mother reflects on her son’s death
In 2016, when Jack Pierre ended his life, Montana’s suicide rate led the nation.
Briana Wipf July 15, 2018
Neighbors on call to help care for one another
Neighbors on call to help care for one another
Community health programs are thriving in Haiti, Montana and the Navajo Nation.
Alex Sakariassen July 14, 2018 From the print edition
Montana lacks money to treat its most vulnerable residents
Montana lacks money to treat its most vulnerable residents
Patients with developmental disabilities and mental illness fall through the state’s health care gaps.
Jan Anderson July 13, 2018
A curriculum to help students build healthy relationships
A curriculum to help students build healthy relationships
In Montana, middle-schoolers are learning the importance of resiliency and support.
Zoie Koostra July 13, 2018
Montana teens organize to prevent suicides
Montana teens organize to prevent suicides
‘Students have decided that to make change, we need to be the change.’
Karen Peterson July 12, 2018
You know CPR — what about mental health first aid?
You know CPR — what about mental health first aid?
Training peers to recognize risks and warning signs can help prevent suicide.
James S. Rosien July 12, 2018
Rural communities look at new ways to fortify mental health
Rural communities look at new ways to fortify mental health
A dearth of professional help leaves small-town residents seeking help from one another.
Kate Schimel July 10, 2018
‘Recovery is possible — and we’re examples of it’
‘Recovery is possible — and we’re examples of it’
Peer support from the recently recovered helps those in active addiction.
Eric Dietrich July 10, 2018
Montana is losing essential mental health services
Montana is losing essential mental health services
As the state’s mental health system faces an uncertain future, experts encourage crisis prevention.
Katheryn Houghton & Eric Dietrich July 9, 2018 From the print edition
Did Fort Collins grow too big too fast?
Did Fort Collins grow too big too fast?
The Colorado city’s unwieldy expansion offers a cautionary tale for similar Western locales.
Lewis Kendall/Bozeman Daily Chronicle Analysis March 28, 2018
A way out of Bozeman’s shadow
A way out of Bozeman’s shadow
Belgrade, Montana, is growing just enough to assert an identity separate of its adjacent city.
Lewis Kendall and Katheryn Houghton News March 2, 2018
A town clings to its small-town identity under pressure
A town clings to its small-town identity under pressure
Manhattan, Montana, has become a bedroom community with full schools but few businesses.
Katheryn Houghton/Bozeman Daily Chronicle Feb. 9, 2018
When a town wants to grow — but not too quickly
When a town wants to grow — but not too quickly
Three Forks has weathered much. Facing new pressures, can it stay in control?
Lewis Kendall/Bozeman Daily Chronicle Feb. 8, 2018
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