Coronavirus

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.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today announced that North Dakota has been awarded $199 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support the first year of a statewide Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding will strengthen rural health care by improving access, quality and health outcomes for North Dakotans in rural communities over the next five years.

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) offices in Bismarck that directly serve clients will delay opening until 10 a.m. CT today, Dec. 26, due to hazardous road conditions. 

Affected offices include HHS’ West Central Behavioral Health Clinic and vocational rehabilitation and child support offices.