A group of healthcare providers and elected officials from across Yellowstone County are responding as the state moves forward plans to build a psychiatric hospital in Eastern Montana with sights set on Billings as a likely location.

Local leaders released a new report detailing gaps in services that could affect the success of the state’s proposal for a second mental health hospital. The public can learn more next week when the group meets to go over the analysis, said Sen. Mike Yakawich, R-Billings.

About a dozen healthcare organizations put together the 8-page report, working with city, county and state leaders who serve the area. Yakawich said it was provided at no expense to taxpayers.

The analysis outlines limited local resources and describes current struggles in providing servic

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