North Dakota is launching a new rural healthcare suicide prevention initiative aimed at strengthening follow-up care and closing critical gaps after suicide risk is identified. The effort follows recommendations from the North Dakota Suicide Fatality Review Commission and supports the Zero Suicide framework across rural and tribal healthcare systems.
The initiative will support rural and tribal healthcare providers in implementing standardized suicide risk screening, follow-up care after suicide attempts and improved referral pathways into mental health and behavioral healthcare services.
Categories: Public Health
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Cass County. This is the first case reported in Cass County in 2026.
The individual likely acquired the infection within the state. HHS is continuing its investigation to determine the source of exposure, as the individual reported no recent out-of-state or international travel.
North Dakota has had a total of 38 confirmed cases of measles this year through May 15, and five individuals have been hospitalized. This compares to 36 measles cases in the state in 2025, which resulted in three hospitalizations. The United States has confirmed 1,842 cases in 2026.
Categories: Children and families
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) FamilyFirst Services now offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) through telehealth by an approved provider to eligible families.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is an evidence-based program for children ages 2 to 7 and their parents or caregivers. It is designed to improve child behavior, strengthen parenting skills and build healthier parent-child relationships.
Categories: Public Health
May 10-16, which overlaps Mother’s Day, is recognized as National Women’s Health Week. This year, the federal Office of Women’s Health and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) are promoting the theme: “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health,” and focusing attention on prevention and early detection of women’s health issues, chronic diseases and science-based care.
Categories: Economic Assistance
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging North Dakota homeowners who are at risk for foreclosure to apply for the Homeowner Assistance Fund, also known as ND Help for Homeowners, by Aug. 15, 2026.
“Since the program’s inception in 2022, nearly 3,400 North Dakota households received assistance, for a combined total of $37 million,” HHS Housing Stability Unit Director Nikki Aden said. “The program was launched in response to the pandemic, and approximately $6 million in funding remains available until the program ends in August 2026.”
With the program coming to an end, HHS is making an effort to ensure the remaining funds are fully utilized to prevent housing instability for North Dakota households.
