Resources

Who We Are 

Northwest Mothers Milk Bank is a nonprofit donor milk bank established in 2008. Our mission is to improve the health and survival of the Pacific Northwest’s most vulnerable infants. We believe that every baby deserves access to human milk. We carry out our mission through the safe collection and distribution of human donor milk, education, advocacy, and research.

In July 2024, Northwest Mothers Milk Bank (NWMMB) [donatemilk.org] assumed the operations of the Mothers Milk Bank of Montana, with a bold goal: to reinvigorate nonprofit milk banking across the state. Established in 2008 as a nonprofit organization, NWMMB’s mission is to improve the health and survival of vulnerable infants. As an accredited member of Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) [hmbana.org], NWMMB is committed to meeting the demand for donor human milk for Montana babies. To date, NWMMB has dispensed over 4.6 million ounces of safely pasteurized donor milk to infants in need.

What We Offer 

NWMMB is raising awareness about the life-saving power of milk donation for fragile infants and building the infrastructure necessary to support safe and accessible donor milk.  In March, NWMMB marked a significant milestone— opening Montana’s first official Milk Drop site at St. Peter’s Health Regional Medical Center in Helena on March 21, 2025. Drop-off locations make it easy for screened mothers to donate milk, enabling them to have a profound impact in their communities.

Donor Process 

The donation process comprises four steps, guided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. 

1. Interview: Applicants begin with a phone interview, during which questions are asked about overall health, medication /supplement use, and overall breastfeeding experience. 
2. Complete the online paperwork: The next step is to fill out additional details about your medical history and lifestyle, and then sign the medical consent forms. 
3. Blood work: The final step in the screening process involves completing blood work. Applicants will be screened for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. Northwest Mother's Milk Bank will coordinate and cover the costs of the blood work. 
4. Make your donation: Once approved, donors may drop off their frozen milk at a nearby milk drop-off location. If there are no milk drops nearby, Northwest Mother's Milk Bank will send a container to ship milk free of charge. 

Once collected, donated milk is gently pasteurized and dispensed to hospitals across Montana, where it supports babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and family birth centers. Babies who are cared for at home but have ongoing medical needs can access milk through outpatient programs. To learn more about Northwest Mothers Milk Bank in Montana, visit their website at www.donatemilk.org [donatemilk.org].

Montana Milk Drop Locations

 Please call to schedule a drop-off

Contact Information

Interested in more information? Contact Northwest Mother's Milk Bank today. 

• Email Address: info@nwmmb.org
• Phone Number: 800-204-4444

• Genetics Financial Assistance: The genetic testing financial assistance program can be used when your child requires a genetic test that is not covered by your insurance, or if a child is uninsured. The test must be confirmed necessary by a physician, and for Medicaid patients it must be documented that Medicaid and EPSDT both do not cover this request.
• Financial Assistance Program: The Children’s Special Health Services Financial Assistance Program supports families in purchasing treatment and enabling services requested by medical providers. Its policies and status are maintained on its website.

• MonTECH: MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities. MonTECH provides assistive technology devices and services, either as a loan or through a community buy-sell network.
• Jadyn Fred Foundation: The Jadyn Fred Foundation provides direct financial support to families with children with special health needs. Families must submit an application, referral from a doctor, nurse, or social worker, and a consent form.
• The Marshall and Mary Brondum Special Assistance Foundation: This organization exists to help individuals whose needs are not or cannot be met by existing charities and/or agencies. These needs include medical, adaptive lifestyle, and financial.
• NORD PKU: For patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU), the NORD PKU assistance program offers support for out-of-pocket health care.

• Circle of Parents: Circle of parents is a support group run by parent leaders to foster an open exchange of ideas, supports, and resources. Circle of Parents meetings are always free and often have childcare available for the meeting time.
• NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for those impacted by severe mental illness and for those affected by a loved one’s mental illness. They offer multiple groups on different topics, and virtual group options as well.
• Montana Hands and Voices: Montana Hands and Voices provides information, support, and referral to families at any point in their journey with their child who is deaf or hard of hearing, but especially for those families starting on this journey.
• Montana Deaf-Blind Project: The Montana Deaf-Blind project serves individuals birth-21 who are impacted by both vision and hearing loss. This project works to build capacity and improve services and increase resources and expertise throughout the state. They follow national initiatives, including early identification and referral, family engagement, assessment and instruction planning, transition, professional development, and national child count.

Respite care is planned or emergency care provided to an individual with need for support and supervision in order to provide temporary relief to the primary caregiver of that individual. The Lifespan Respite Coalition’s mission is to establish a statewide coordinated system of easily accessible, quality, and affordable respite care services for Montana’s family caregivers or individuals regardless of special needs.

Introduction

Finding support in your community is one way to make the move into Montana more positive. Neighbors, friends, coworkers, and faith-based communities all offer opportunities to build your network and support system in your new hometown.

Healthy Montana Families is a state-run home visiting service that serves pregnant women, infants, and children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. It is a voluntary, family-centered program conducted by a trained home visitor, that provides service coordination and improves health. This program services pregnant individuals and parents with a child under the age of 5, who meet at least one criterion, such as disability, developmental delays, low income, being pregnant under the age of 21, history of interaction with child welfare, substance or tobacco use, low student achievement, or current or former armed forces members.

Centers for Independent Living

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services to anyone with a disability in Montana. They are not places to live; instead, they offer information and referral, independent living skills training, peer mentoring, individual and systems advocacy, transitions, accessibility, adaptive equipment, and housing support. These centers vary by community.

Adaptive Recreation

Children with disabilities deserve to access and enjoy the many opportunities for recreation in Montana. Adaptive recreation organizations include:

• DREAM Adaptive Recreation: DREAM Adaptive Recreation provides individuals ages 5 to adults with year-round outdoor adaptive recreation opportunities.
• The Montana Special Olympics: Montana Special Olympics is a state-wide non-profit that provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and healthy-related programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Housing Resources

Housing support in Montana can be found at Resources - Montana Housing (mt.gov). This site offers resources and supports on fair housing, low-income assistance, and services for children and families.

Specialty clinics can help to provide specialized healthcare not available everywhere in the State. The following provides a broad overview of some available clinics.

• Montana 211 has a directory of services, including pediatric clinics, hospitals, and therapy.
• Logan Health – offers a variety of specialty clinics in Polson, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman. A few specialties include:
  • Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • & More!
• Billings Clinic – offers a variety of specialty clinics at multiple locations and offers a Pediatric Complex Care Program. A referral is required for the Pediatric Complex Care Program; your primary care provider must reach out to make one.
• Seattle Children’s Pediatric Cardiology of Montana – offering high-quality heart care to Montana’s children and Clinics in Great Falls and Bozeman, with outreach clinics in Helena and Havre.
• SCL Health Medical Group Billings Pediatric Specialty – Located in Billings and offering an array of specialists, including:
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • & More!
• Great Falls Clinic – Pediatrics – comprehensive pediatric care in addition to a variety of sub-specialties including:
  • Pediatric Oncology/Cancer Care
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Psychiatric Services
  • Pediatric Speech and Language Therapy
  • & More!
• Community Medical Center – Pediatric Specialty Clinic – offered in collaboration with specialists from Seattle Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and University of Utah Health.
• Shodair Children’s Hospital – providing outpatient psychiatric services as well as medical genetic services.

Care Coordination

Care coordination plays a critical role in helping ensure quality care for children and youth with special healthcare needs. Often, parents are working as their child’s care coordinator and given little support. To locate care coordination services, connect with your child’s primary care provider or reach out to the Family-to-Family center to see what additional supports might be available. One promising new program at Montana Pediatrics seeks to bridge this gap.

• Montana Pediatrics – Care Coordination – building capacity for a family-centered complex care management program designed to meet the needs of families.

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a medical home as “an approach to providing comprehensive primary care that facilitates partnerships between patients, clinicians, medical staff, and families. A medical home extends beyond the four walls of a clinical practice. It includes specialty care, educational services, family support, and more.” Establishing a medical home for children and youth with special healthcare needs can help provide more seamless care and improve health outcomes. The following resources can help to locate primary care providers within Montana:

• Montana Chapter: American Academy of Pediatrics Directory
• BlueCross BlueShield of Montana Provider Find (Pediatric) – Find providers in the Healthy Montana Kids Network

Healthy Montana Kids Plus (Medicaid)

In Montana, the Medicaid Program for children is referred to as Healthy Montana Kids Plus (HMK+). HMK+ offers healthcare benefits for eligible low-income Montanans.

• Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is the comprehensive healthcare coverage for children portion of It is available for all children enrolled in Medicaid from birth through 20. Well-child visits are the core of EPSDT, however, there are additional services available as well. For medically necessary services that are outside the normal realm of Medicaid covered services, these can sometimes be approved on a case-by-case basis. EPSDT prior authorization requests can be submitted by a child’s provider.
• Waiver Services are Medicaid programs that make it possible for individuals to receive Medicaid services in the community, a private home, or group Waivers often have a waitlist that can span years until an individual can access services. If you are moving to Montana and have a waiver in your home state, services will not transfer to Montana. The average wait time for families to access waiver services is over 3 years.
  • Big Sky Medicaid Waiver – serves Montanans who have physical disabilities, including those associated with gaining, as well as younger individuals who meet the social security definition of disability.
  • Comprehensive 0208 Waiver – serves Montanans with intellectual or developmental In order to be placed on the waitlist, families must go through the Developmental Disabilities Program.
  • If eligible, your child could be on both waitlists at the same time while waiting for services. You cannot be on the Big Sky waitlist if you are served by another waiver, however, you can stay on the 0208 waitlist while receiving services through the Big Sky Waiver and potentially move on to the 0208 waiver when eligible.
  • The Montana Family to Family Center has a wonderful breakdown that further describes waivers and answers many common questions.

Healthy Montana Kids (CHIP)

Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) offers a free or low-cost health insurance plan providing coverage for eligible Montana Children up to age 19. This is an option for families who do not qualify for Medicaid but who still fall within certain income brackets.

Private Insurance

Many Montana families are covered by private insurance through their employer or other sources. If your family does not qualify for HMK+ or HMK, you can purchase insurance coverage. HealthCare.gov can help you find coverage.

Like many places in the country, Montana faces a childcare shortage that can impact many families’ ability to find high quality childcare. For children with special healthcare needs, specialized considerations for childcare can make this search even more challenging. There are a few resources that can help aid families’ search.

• Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Regions – assist families to find childcare and provide an array of information to families!
• Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program – scholarships available to qualified low-income families whose child receives care from a licensed childcare provider. Scholarships are available to families whose income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and families who get cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. There is a Special Needs Subsidy available for families who qualify for a scholarship.

Montana Milestones Part C Early Intervention Program is Montana’s comprehensive system of early intervention services for families who have infants or toddlers, from birth through age three, who have significant developmental delays or disabilities or have been diagnosed with an established condition associated with significant delays in development.

In Montana, education is locally controlled and can vary between school districts. The special education systems are especially different. The Montana Empowerment Center advocates for children of all abilities to obtain high quality education and is a great resource for families.

Educational Rights

Every child in America is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This means that children with disabilities must still be served by local schools and receive an education. The child should be receiving this education in the least restrictive environment, meaning that they should be included with other students and involved to the maximum extent in the environment where they can succeed. IDEA also guarantees caregivers the right to access their child’s educational records; participate in all IEP meetings regarding identification, placement, and education decisions; consultation on transition services when their child reaches 16, and appropriate evaluation for the child.

Local Schools

As noted, school districts can differ widely in their available services across Montana. If your child has specific needs that the school will need to meet, it is recommended to reach out to local school districts prior to choosing a school. For example, some schools have no school nurse or limited access to a school nurse. Some children with complex medical needs may require access to a school nurse. Families are encouraged to contact the school ahead of time to discuss their child’s needs and determine school nurse access and coverage. You can find contact information for schools on The Office of Public Instruction’s Directory of Montana Schools.

Special Education

Special education is a crucial right in the life of children with disabilities. Special education requires an ISFP, IEP, or 504 form to best understand and address a child’s needs. If your child receives services from Part C, the Part C Program provider and the family will notify the local special education agency and support the child’s transition to Part B Services or other services in the community. Although it is not common in other states, not all school districts offer special education through age 21, many stop at age

18. These extra years can be critical to transition to adulthood success and family systems. You can contact school districts to understand what age they offer special education through, and what resources they may have that meet your families’ specific needs. Below is an overview of a few common terms:

• IFSP: The Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) is required for every child and their family eligible and enrolled in Part C. The IFSP is created by a team including the family, Part C Service Coordinator, and other professionals in the child and family’s life. The plan is implemented by the family and the professionals providing services and supports to the family. Visit the Montana Milestones Part C site to view the video “Let’s Chat About Early Intervention” to learn more.
• IEP: An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required by the IDEA for every child who is found eligible under State/Federal guidelines. The team who created the IEP includes teachers, administrators, and other student-focused staff members. Parents/guardians are considered equal partners in this group and should feel empowered to advocate for their child’s best interest in their education.
• 504: A 504 form is a document for children with disabilities or impairments in schools. This form defines an impairment as a physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more body If your child has an IEP, then that can cover the functions of a 504 instead.

Post High School Services

When services end for children in school settings, families can struggle with finding meaningful supports. Although many school districts have varying age cut-offs, every child eventually ages out of school services. You can contact your school district to learn more about what age they stop offering services, and you can advocate to the local school board to increase this age or offer more support.

The Montana Transition and Employment Project provides support and resources for the process of transitioning out of school services and pediatric care.

In addition, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), can assist students with disabilities ages 14-21 to assist with transitioning from school to postsecondary education or employment.

Montana has many services that exist to support families. When applying for services, it is important to know that many different agencies establish their own regulations and eligibility requirements. A recommendation from Montana family leaders is to apply for as many services as early as possible. Using these supports can help families thrive in Montana.

The following resources have been highlighted by families as the most important in their family’s journey; however, it is by no means an exhaustive list of everything available in Montana or Nationally.

Government Programs

• Food, Medical, or Cash Assistance: The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has an online portal where families can apply for food, medical, and cash assistance all in one application. These programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Health Coverage Assistance including Medicaid, HMK, health insurance assistance, and tax credits for insurance.
• WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers nutritional and breastfeeding support to families with children age 5 and under and expecting parents.

Grant Programs

• Children’s Special Health Services Financial Assistance Program: Children’s Special Health Services (CSHS) can provide up to $2,000 per year of financial assistance for treatment and enabling services and/or items for qualified Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN), age birth-21. If your child is uninsured or under-insured, you might qualify for assistance.
• Montana Genetic Testing Financial Assistance: Shodair Children’s Hospital in partnership with The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services has limited funds available to help pay for genetic testing for qualified Montanans.
• MonTECH: MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities. MonTECH provides assistive technology devices and services, either as a loan or through a community buy-sell network.
• Jadyn Fred Foundation: The Jadyn Fred Foundation provides direct financial support to families with children with special healthcare Families must submit an application, referral from a provider, and a consent form.
• Oracle Health Foundation: Previously known as the Center Charitable Foundation, Oracle Health Foundation provides funding for expenses such as treatment, equipment, or vehicle modification. Their website has a comprehensive overview of funding and

• The Marshall and Mary Brondum Special Assistance Foundation: This organization exists to help individuals whose needs are not or cannot be met by existing charities or
• Dental Services In Montana Communities: The Oral Health Program has a list of many helpful dental services for Montanans, including children with special healthcare needs.
• NORD PKU Patient Assistance Programs: can help individuals with PKU pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Connection and support for families is an essential piece for families. Montana has several organizations who offer support, connection, and resources.

• The Family-to-Family (F2F) Health Information Center: A family-led organization within the University of Montana Rural Institute. They seek to amplify the strengths of families of children and youth with health care challenges by forging relationships with providers and programs, connecting families to meaningful supports, and providing them opportunities to learn and share their experiences.
• Montana Hands & Voices: Provides information, support, and referral to families at any point in their journey with their child who is deaf or hard or hearing.
• Montana Deaf-Blind Project: The Montana Deaf-Blind project is a source of specialized information, technical assistance, and resources focused on improving education, inclusion, and college and career readiness for individuals with combined hearing and vision loss between the ages of birth through 21.
• Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition: The Lifespan Respite (LSR) Coalition in partnership with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) has made available a public website of resources focusing on our Montana seniors and people with disabilities. The LSR Coalition collected respite services available in Montana and this information is included in the ADRC Resource Directory searchable database.
• Family Voices: Family Voices is a family-led nonprofit organization that transforms systems of care to work better for all children and youth, especially those with special health care needs or disabilities.

Finding support in your community can make a huge impact on quality of life for families. Below are some resources to help foster community connection. Local neighbors, friends, coworkers, and faith-based organizations can also be a great place to look to help foster connection in the community.

• Healthy Montana Families – Maternal and Early Childhood Home Visiting: Voluntary, family-centered services by a professionally training home Services vary by County and each program has different eligibility requirements.
• Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Montana’s Centers for Independent Living are independent 501(c)3 nonprofit corporations funded in part through Federal and private grants, Montana Department Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS,) and The CIL serve people of every age and all disabilities.
• DREAM Adaptive Recreation: The mission of DREAM Adaptive Recreation is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities by providing year-round outdoor adaptive recreational opportunities. They support individuals ages 5 to adults with physical, cognitive, intellectual, developmental and sensory challenges, including Military
• The Montana Special Olympics: A statewide non-profit that provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and healthy-related programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• America the Beautiful Pass: Lifetime free entrance pass for National Parks for anyone with a permanent disability.

Introduction

Accessing resources is extremely important for families moving to Montana with one or more children who have a special healthcare need.  A child's diagnosis not only impacts that individual, but the family as a whole unit. Listed below are organizations that offer support, resources, and networking connections for parents and family members throughout Montana.

The Family-to-Family Health Information Center

The Family-to-Family Health Information Center is a family-led organization within the University of Montana Rural Institute. The center’s mission is to amplify the strength of children and youth with healthcare challenges by building relationships with providers and programs, connecting families to meaningful support, and providing them with opportunities to learn and share their experiences. Their staff can help you locate local providers, explain state resources, identify community support, and assist families in networking with one another.

We recognize that the services listed here are not a comprehensive list of supports for your family. If you are looking for more support, you can contact the Children’s Special Health Services hotline at (800)-762-9891 or cshs@mt.gov. Our staff will be happy to direct you to further service options.