Community behavioral health promotion and substance use prevention help people make healthy choices and avoid problems with alcohol and drugs before they begin. In North Dakota, prevention focuses on creating safe and supportive homes, schools, workplaces, and communities that help people stay healthy at every stage of life.
These efforts use data and proven programs that are designed to meet the needs of different communities. Prevention work helps delay the start of substance use, reduce underage drinking and binge drinking, prevent opioid misuse, and build skills and supports that protect behavioral health over time.
North Dakota is committed to prevention through strong partnerships and ongoing improvement. By investing in prevention today, the state is helping create healthier communities and reducing the need for more intensive services in the future.
Free Behavioral Health Resources
Free behavioral health resources are available to support mental well-being, stress management, and substance use prevention—for individuals, parents, and families.
Prevention Provider Portal
The Prevention Provider Portal connects providers with essential prevention grant information and resources. Access funding opportunities, review grant requirements, and stay up to date on important announcements.
Training and Technical Assistance
Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) is a collaborative approach of providing targeted assistance and support that strengthens the capacity of individuals, groups and communities to plan, implement, evaluate, and sustain effective prevention strategies and positive outcomes.
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North Dakota Prevention Activities and Programs
North Dakota supports many types of prevention activities, including:
- Community and tribal prevention grants that help reduce underage drinking, binge drinking, and opioid misuse
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, providing free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis
- Parents Lead, a statewide campaign that helps parents build strong, healthy families
- Media campaigns like Speak Volumes and Take Care, Be Aware
- Early intervention programs, such as education for Minor in Possession (MIP) offenses and early DUI programs
- Training and certification for the prevention workforce
Together, these efforts help communities get ready to prevent problems, reduce risk, and create safe environments that support healthy choices throughout life.
Prevention in Action Across North Dakota
North Dakota’s prevention system is built on partnerships between the state and local communities. Funding and support help local public health units, tribal nations, and community organizations in every region of the state carry out prevention work.
Most prevention activities are supported by federal grants, including the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG), the Partnership for Success (PFS) Grant, and the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, which are administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These grants help communities plan and deliver programs that prevent substance misuse.
Prevention efforts currently reach:
- All 53 counties
- Four federally recognized tribes
- Urban, rural, frontier, and tribal communities
Local communities choose prevention strategies that align with state priorities while meeting local needs. This approach helps ensure prevention efforts are consistent across North Dakota and led by the communities they serve.
Statewide prevention goals include:
- Increasing access to quality substance misuse services
- Expanding the use of proven prevention programs
- Reducing underage drinking
- Reducing adult binge drinking and related harms
- Reducing opioid misuse and related harms
Together, these efforts support healthier individuals, families, and communities and help reduce long-term social, health, and economic costs related to substance misuse.
