June 4
As many of you have already heard, AWARE has some exciting news about the future of behavioral healthcare in Montana. AWARE is proud to announce that we are merging with Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC), a trusted and respected leader in community-based mental health care.
This unification represents a decisive step forward in our shared mission: to ensure that every Montanan has access to the support they need to live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. By uniting our organizations, we will expand our reach, enhance our services, and strengthen the safety net for individuals and families across the state.
Together, AWARE and WMMHC bring decades of experience providing compassionate, community-rooted care. Our programs are built on a deep belief in people’s ability to grow and thrive when given the right tools and support. This combination of forces allows us to bring those tools to more communities, reduce service gaps, and create a more seamless continuum of care, from early childhood through adulthood.
AWARE and WMMHC are long-standing organizations with a history of collaboration. This merger is not a departure from our values—it’s a purposeful step to expand our reach and serve more Montanans with greater effectiveness. Together, we’re better equipped to innovate, adapt to changing needs, and honor our shared commitment to whole-person care.
As we move through this transition, our focus remains on the people we serve. There will be no disruptions in care. Instead, our clients, staff, and partners can expect deeper resources, more integrated services, and continued dedication from teams they already know and trust.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Bob Lopp, the WMMHC leadership team, and their Board of Directors for their kindness, humility, and partnership over the past several months. Their vision and collaboration have made this important new chapter possible.
We’re excited for what the future holds and grateful for your continued support during this critical chapter. Thank you for believing in this work and standing with us as we build a stronger, more connected system of care for Montana.
Warm regards,
Matt Bugni, CEO
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