Strong Roots Coalition for Substance Misuse
The Strong Roots Coalition works to improve the substance use continuum of services (prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery) by bringing together partners to alleviate gaps in care, provider coordination, and policy change in Lewis and Clark County.
Vision and Purpose:
Our community is united for equitable, integrated care that is accessible, safe, and free from stigma.
We educate, advocate, and support people in the communities we serve who are affected by substance misuse to seamlessly work across the continuum of care to meet them where they are.
About
Strong Roots Coalition (formerly the Substance Misuse Coalition) launched on January 18, 2024, uniting professionals to strengthen substance use prevention in Lewis and Clark County. Since then, the coalition has grown into a dynamic group of Licensed Addiction Counselors, Medical and Behavioral Health Providers, Educators, and Advocates from across community organizations—working together toward a stigma-free substance misuse community.
We meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 10:15–11:45 AM at the Public Health Conference Room (1930 9th Ave) or virtually via Teams. Join us in making a difference.
Goals
The Strong Roots Coalition is currently working on the following goals:
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Introduction of the new mobile behavioral health van to increase outreach to underserved communities and neighborhoods.
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Increase services available to rural community members in their community.
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Increase the availability MAT services and providers being able to offer the treatment.
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Raise awareness and availability of Harm Reduction solutions in the county.
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Improve care coordination and reduce the complication encountered by community members seeking SUD services and increase interactions and communications between providers.
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Early prevention through training in school and the community.
Events
Coordinating Hope: A Summit for Recovery and Support!
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Helena College, Room 125, 1115 N. Roberts St., Helena, MT
Registration: Closed! If you have questions, please contact Villette Burk or Vivi Tyler.
A free summit designed for professionals coordinating care for individuals with substance use disorders - including peer support specialists, case workers, advocates, and more!
Enjoy morning refreshments and lunch on us. Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge!
For those who have registered, please keep a look out for an email for confirmation.
Questions? Contact Villette Burk, vburk@lccountymt.gov or Vivi Tyler, vtyler@lccountymt.gov.
Questions?
Julie Bir
Behavioral Health and Chronic Disease Prevention Supervisor
406-457-8979
Villette Burk
Substance Use Prevention Coordinator
vburk@lccountymt.gov