About Us

What Is a Family to Family Health Information Center?

Every state has a Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F). There are also centers in five U.S. territories and three tribal communities. F2F centers are funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).  Find more information about F2F centers nationwide.

rural institute university of montana logo

The Montana F2F is housed in the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC).  The RIIC is located on the University of Montana campus. Part of a national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the RIIC conducts research, provides training and education, and houses multiple programs that have a direct impact on quality of life for Montanans with disabilities.

 

A mother holding her son
a young man on a wheelchair

Mission

We amplify the strength 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 to share their experience.

Who Do We Serve?

All F2F centers are family led. Parents working in our Montana F2F have personal experience with many of the challenges faced by families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).  We offer support for families caring for children and youth who have, or are at risk of having, physical, developmental, behavioral, and/or emotional challenges. If you have a child who requires more medical care than typical well-child checks, the MT F2F is here to help you find providers, access resources, network with other families and advocate for your own. We’ve been there, and we want to help.

What Do We Do?

Our center staff can connect you with providers, programs, or other families dealing with issues similar to the ones your family is facing. We can research answers to your questions about services and resources available in Montana.  The answers may not be the ones you want, but we can help you explore alternatives.

The Montana F2F also collects family stories and shares identified needs and roadblocks to care with agency heads, legislators, and others who influence systemic change. Collectively, family voices can improve access to healthcare and encourage funding for meaningful supports for our children and youth with disabilities and diagnoses. Our team can:

  • Locate Providers
  • Research and Explain State Resources
  • Identify Community Support
  • Help Families Network with Each Other
  • Present to Support Groups and Providers on Topics of Interest

Systems Change

The Montana F2F brings the needs of families with diagnoses to providers, program and agency heads, and legislators. The care of our children requires funding, and our representatives need to know our families’ needs.  If you have an experience or a need that may represent a problem for other families as well, please call or write so we can visit.  Influencing decision-makers and effecting positive change for families require your insight and experience.