As Montana prepares for the 70th Legislative Session in January 2027, what decisions will shape the future of families across our state? And how can parents, caregivers, and community members help make sure the needs of Montana families are part of the conversation?

On this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Gwyneth Hyndman talks with Mary Collins, Policy Director for HMHB to talk about the upcoming legislative session, HMHB's policy priorities, and the importance of advocating for the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and families.

Mary shares what has changed since the 2025 legislative session, including the tighter state budget and the challenges facing Montana's healthcare and Medicaid systems. She discusses the importance of protecting recent policy wins, including progress toward Medicaid reimbursement for doula services and funding for home visiting programs, while continuing to push for policies that strengthen families.

The conversation also explores HMHB's priorities for the upcoming session, including expanding Good Samaritan protections for people seeking prenatal and postpartum care while navigating substance use, strengthening voluntary home visiting services, supporting community health workers, and continuing to advocate for bigger-picture investments in paid family leave, childcare, and a state child tax credit.

But advocacy isn't just for policymakers or organizations. Mary offers practical ways everyday Montanans can get involved, from contacting their legislators to sharing personal stories about what families need to thrive.

At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that even when progress feels slow, it's important to keep imagining what a better Montana could look like. As Mary puts it, we shouldn't lose sight of what we genuinely want our world to look like for families.

Because building a healthier future for Montana families starts with making sure their voices are heard.

In This Episode

• Mary's journey from being a new mom during the 2025 legislative session to serving as HMHB's Policy Director.
• What to expect during the 70th Montana Legislative Session and how a tighter state budget may affect families.
• The potential impact of proposed flat tax changes on Montana's healthcare and family support systems.
• Progress on Senate Bill 319 and the effort to establish Medicaid reimbursement for doula services.
• HMHB's efforts to expand Good Samaritan protections for people seeking prenatal and postpartum care while navigating substance use.
• The importance of voluntary home visiting programs and community health workers.
• Why paid family leave, affordable childcare, and a state child tax credit remain important long-term priorities.
• How Montana families can contact legislators, share their stories, and get involved in advocacy.

Bio

Mary grew up on a farm in Northern California and has called Montana home since 2011. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Social Work from the University of Montana. Her passion for systems-level change led her to serve in several leadership roles at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), where she focused on strengthening the state’s behavioral health system. Driven by a desire to serve others—and informed by her own experience as the mother of a preemie—Mary is deeply motivated to create a more just, supportive world for Montana’s babies and families.

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/