BIG SKY – A collection of Big Sky organizations and community leaders have joined forces to bring ongoing behavioral and mental health services and community forum opportunities to community residents as the Covid-19 pandemic calls for social distancing and shelter in place ordinances.

Together, Women in Action, Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center, the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO), in conjunction with educators and members of various community foundations are addressing the increased need for mental and behavioral health, wellness, education, attention to addiction, and social connectivity needs that are inevitable in our ever changing landscape.

The impacts of Covid-19 are far-reaching across our community, creating the need for expanded programming and resources designed to meet the broad demographic found in Big Sky.  “We are looking to provide something for everyone based on the diverse needs of the community”, shared Ciara Wolfe, CEO of BSCO.

“As in all communities, the needs associated with mental, behavioral and social health must be addressed in Big Sky.  Covid-19 is accelerating the need for us to address it more quickly, taking immediate action where we can while still planning the long-term goals”, said Maureen Womack, System Director of Behavioral Health, Big Sky Medical Center. “We want to continue serving those who have health needs, counseling needs, and generally those who are feeling alone, overwhelmed and potentially underserved through this difficult time”, added Jean Behr, Executive Director of Women in Action.

At this critical time, Both WIA and Bozeman Health are offering counseling and behavioral health support at no cost. Bozeman Health through the Help Center (dial 211) and WIA via their ongoing counseling services.

Offering virtual services and sharing those resources via community outlets like the newly established BigSkyRelief.org becomes critical as people are being instructed not to leave their homes.  The hope is that this collective effort will establish a central portal where health, wellness, education, social forums and resources will be available and accessible to anyone, at any time.  

The goal is to address the needs of the Big Sky community, in terms of physical and mental health, feelings of isolation or being overwhelmed whether in a physical, emotional, or social sense.   The collaboration plans to launch online resources as soon as possible, to meet the growing needs presented by the coronavirus pandemic.  Services will include financial assistance for virtual counseling sessions, access to public and community forums that serve a spectrum of age groups and interests, ideas for educational assistance during virtual learning for school-aged children, and attention to both ongoing and emergency physical and mental health needs.  

For emergency and behavioral needs, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Department at Big Sky Medical Center. For urgent and non-emergent behavioral health needs, please call The Help Center at 211. The Help Center (211) will make sure to help you receive the care you need.  Both WIA and The Help Center are able to offer counseling and behavioral health support at no cost. For a complete list of local resources, please visit www.bigskywia.org.