ND Health and Human Services

Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed legislation positioning North Dakota to launch its Rural Health Transformation Program, backed by nearly $200 million in federal funding to strengthen rural health care statewide. 

Calling rural health care a generational opportunity, Governor Kelly Armstrong used his State of the State address to urge bold action as lawmakers consider nearly $200 million in federal funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a major birth defect in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Birth defects include structural differences and disorders present at birth. They are costly and can affect any family. They also range from mild to serious and include critical conditions that can cause lifelong health challenges affecting almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain or limbs.

 North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages residents to take precautions as influenza activity remains high with newly reported influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths. 

Nearly 75% of rural counties in North Dakota are designated primary care shortage areas. One key strategy to become the healthiest state in the nation involves increasing access to health care by building a strong health care workforce – especially in rural areas.  

To address rural workforce needs, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) helps qualifying health care professionals connect with job opportunities where they can receive student loan debt relief while caring for underserved populations in North Dakota. HHS is accepting applications beginning Monday, Jan. 5, through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from qualifying health, behavioral health and dental health professionals.