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:
-
Introduction of the new mobile behavioral health van to increase outreach to underserved communities and neighborhoods.
-
Increase services available to rural community members in their community.
-
Increase the availability MAT services and providers being able to offer the treatment.
-
Raise awareness and availability of Harm Reduction solutions in the county.
-
Improve care coordination and reduce the complication encountered by community members seeking SUD services and increase interactions and communications between providers.
-
Early prevention through training in school and the community.
Events
Let's Get LOUD! Be overdose aware! The overdose crisis is not just about one drug or one group of people!
Visit overdoseday.com to learn more!
August 25-31: Overdose Awareness Week
Overdose does not Discriminate!
The Strong Roots Coalition and PureView Health Center Mobile Clinic will be at the following locations to provide prevention kits and resources:
- Monday, August 25 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Lewis and Clark Library, Helena Branch
- Thursday, August 28 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the Helena Collage, Donaldson Campus
Flyer information: Overdose-does-not-discriminate-Aug25-31.pdf(PDF, 1MB)
August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)
Bringing a global community together to take action on overdose!
#IOAD2025 #OverdoseAware #EndOverdose #OneBigFamily
Questions?
Julie Bir
Behavioral Health and Chronic Disease Prevention Supervisor
406-457-8979
Villette Burk
Substance Use Prevention Coordinator
vburk@lccountymt.gov