News

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.

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.

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.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is recognizing May as Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to highlight the resilience of children involved in the state’s foster care system and the dedication of those who support them. Read the Foster Care Awareness Month proclamation.

On any given day, about 1,050 children are in foster care in North Dakota. More than 700 licensed foster care providers and nearly 200 relative caregivers open their homes to provide stability and support for children until reunification or another permanent plan can be achieved.

Spring showers and warmer temperatures may bring flowers, but they also bring out ticks. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages individuals to be aware of ticks, the diseases they carry, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, alpha-gal syndrome and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and to take precautions.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting the importance of mental health, while encouraging individuals to take small, manageable steps to support their overall well-being.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has issued a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month across North Dakota.

This year, HHS is promoting a “Healthy Habit Exchange” approach and encouraging North Dakotans to make simple, everyday changes that can positively impact mental health.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed case of measles in Dunn County. This is the first measles case reported in Dunn County. The individual acquired measles out of state.  

North Dakota has a total of 36 confirmed cases of measles in seven counties to date in 2026, and five individuals have been hospitalized. The United States has confirmed 1,792 cases in 2026.  

As measles cases continue to occur in the U.S., Canada and other countries, individuals are encouraged to closely monitor for any signs or symptoms of measles and to contact a healthcare provider for guidance and testing if symptoms develop.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that Vincent Roehr and Douglas A. McMillan have joined the agency to help guide the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This program is a five-year statewide investment to strengthen rural health care and help make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.