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This contact is also used to coordinate communications with Executive Leadership.

Jennifer Skjod

HHS Public Affairs Officer
701-328-7745

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Bismarck, N.D. — The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced it has been recognized by its federal partner, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), as the state observes Emergency Preparedness Month in accordance with Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s proclamation. The recognition highlights decades of statewide public and private sector collaboration to strengthen medical readiness, improve healthcare resilience, and ensure communities have timely access to critical resources during emergencies.

BISMARCK, N.D. – This September, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging communities across the state to strengthen connection, compassion and support as we recognize Suicide Prevention Month. Reach out, start a conversation and remind someone they are not alone. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma and help create communities where every North Dakotan feels supported and connected.

In collaboration with and at the direction of the U.S. Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that North Dakota submitted a request to postpone from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, 2026, changes to the list of items eligible for purchase with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Choice Waiver. 

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing notice of a security incident that involves protected health information (PHI) of certain Developmental Disabilities service recipients.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AUG. 20, 2026) – The State of North Dakota has been certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, one of only two state governments to receive the national certification from the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced today. Read the full release at governor.nd.gov. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reminding North Dakotans that starting Sept. 1, the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will encourage healthier food choices by updating which items can be purchased with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), effective Aug. 29, citing his experience with complex policy issues at both the state and federal levels and his guidance to the agency through the Governor’s Office these past two years. Swanson has served as a senior advisor in the Governor’s Office since Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden took office in December 2024. His portfolio includes DHHS, the largest agency in state government with an approved two-year budget of over $5.7 billion, including federal funds, and a team of nearly 2,500 authorized FTEs. The DHHS commissioner is a member of the governor’s Cabinet. Swanson succeeds Pat Traynor, who took a civil service leave from his role as executive director of Dakota Medical Foundation to serve full-time as interim commissioner of DHHS starting in June 2025. The full release is available at governor.nd.gov. 

A referral for healthcare or community services only works if a person successfully connects with the help they need. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing in a statewide planning effort to make those connections easier and strengthen care coordination for rural North Dakotans.