Hamilton's Sapphire Community Health Center is part of a federal grant to combat the Opioid crisis in the state. It is one of a dozen health centers to each receive $167,000. In a news release, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the money is earmarked to "increase access to high quality, integrated behavioral health services, including the prevention or treatment of mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders, including opioid use."

The funding is from the Integrated Behavioral Health Services program, which is awarding over $200 million nationally to 1,208 health centers. Other Montana centers include Missoula County, Lincoln County Community Health Center, Flathead County, and Marias Healthcare Services in Shelby. Last week was National Health Center Week, and U.S. Senator Jon Tester called for reauthorization of the Community Health Center Fund, which is set to expire in September. There are 65 such health centers in the state. Sapphire Community Health Center is on North #rd Street in Hamilton and their website offers more information.

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