On Monday, local Licensed Clinical Social Worker Stacey Wheeler, and Advanced Emergency Medical Tech Tyler Steinebach stopped by our studios to fill us in on their new project here in Missoula. The goal of their non-profit is to serve therapeutic services to Montanans with behavioral health issues, and to used lived experience to empower and guide those in need.

The Hope Health Alliance is just getting off the ground, but the great news is that they've found a physical space at 2801 South Russell, Suite 49. It's in the area across from the YMCA, near Opportunity Resources. They will be a drop-in clinic for those experiencing homelessness, as well. During our interview Stacey explained that they are determined to serve with open minds, and embrace diversity and empathy to build genuine connections with those experiencing mental health issues. Personally, I feel like this is a phenomenal approach and service that Missoula desperately needs.

Hope Health will offer support groups, work stations, use of computers, peer support, peer mentoring, application assistance, resume building, social networking, referrals to providers, and just a safe space to share ideas and get judgement free help - whether it's recovery help or just filling out a job application or getting a state issued ID. The staff are certified through the Board of Behavioral Health in Montana.

Hope Health Dignity Center is up and running, you can find their current schedule of services and more info at their website. Stacey and Tyler are genuine folks who really just want to help and empower Missoulians who are struggling, I applaud their efforts to make a positive change in our community!

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

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