Commissioner says Yarrow mental‑health funds flow through county health department

A commissioner told the Glacier County commissioners on March 12 that Yarrow, a locally coordinated mental‑health program funded by multiple sources, receives funds that flow through the county health department and are not retained as county general revenue.

The commissioner said the program "is funded by different sources, and, it comes through our nurse," adding that "the money comes through our health department" and that the county does not "pay their whole wages." The commissioner described the arrangement as a pass‑through: the Tribe and other partners provide money that the county routes to Yarrow staff and services rather than using it for unrelated county expenses.

The commissioner said Yarrow operates with several staff — "they have about 6 or 7 workers. Maybe they have only 3 or 4," — and that the program focuses on mental health and addictions, including mapping meetings with local treatment providers. Participants in those meetings included Tribal representatives and local providers identified by the commissioner as Crystal Creek, Leland and a treatment center.

Why it matters: County oversight of pass‑through funds affects how local services are administered and how partners coordinate care. Commissioners and staff will need to track funding flows and roles to ensure Yarrow staff are paid and services continue as planned.

No formal action, vote or budget decision was recorded on Yarrow during the March 12 meeting. Commissioners discussed the program informally and did not direct staff to change funding arrangements; the topic was presented as an informational update rather than a motioned item.

The commissioner who described the funding flow spoke during the public discussion portion of the meeting; the board did not take a formal vote on the program.