DPHHS bureau chief explains benefit program to officials

The Western News

Micki Carvey, the Lincoln County nurse, wears many hats, and Friday, Carvey received assistance from Denise Higgins, the Helena bureau chief of the Department of Public Health & Human Services.

“I understand (Montana Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting) well,” Carvey told commissioners. “I just need to know more about the Maternal and Child Health program. This part is new to me.”

Carvey secured the MIECHV grant in the fall 2011, and the county received the first of the estimated $337,000 in 2012.

The program, Carvey explained, is a grassroots effort to alter family behaviors through home visits. So far. the program, which runs through 2015, has spent about $300,000.

It’s that rapid expense of funding that has fostered a rift between Carvey and the county, particularly Commissioner Ron Downey.

On Friday, Downey openly criticized expenditures.

“I just want to know what people are getting for this money,” Downey said.

Commissioner Tony Berget questioned whether the program, which resembles Head Start, is redundant.

“I just don’t know why this money doesn’t go to existing programs,” Berget said.

Commissioner Mike Cole said he is all for the program because it is funded with a grant.

“I still want more information,” Cole said. “But if this is helping the citizens of Lincoln County, without local expense, I’m for it.”