News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong recently proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in North Dakota. Parents Lead has released a new Suicide Prevention and Response Toolkit for Schools, developed in collaboration with North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) suicide prevention and school behavioral health experts. The toolkit provides educators, staff and administrators with practical guidance, resources and strategies to identify students in need, respond safely and strengthen support for families.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has partnered with Providence House Minot to expand access to residential substance use disorder treatment for pregnant and parenting women across the state.  

The Pregnant and Parenting Women program, launched Sept. 1, will provide a safe, family-centered residential environment where children can live with their mothers while their mothers receive comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support. This model removes a critical barrier to care by allowing women to seek help without having to be separated from their children.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) will celebrate National Recovery Month this September, as proclaimed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Read the National Recovery Month proclamation.  

The month is a time to celebrate hope and affirm that recovery from addiction and substance misuse challenges is possible. Throughout September, individuals, families, businesses and communities are invited to learn about recovery resources, celebrate recovery and support loved ones.  

“Recovery isn’t just about one person; it’s about all of us. When communities support people in recovery with compassion and understanding, healing becomes possible. I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone feels truly accepted and supported,” said Kenzie Larson, HHS peer support administrator and certified peer support specialist.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is joining communities across the state this September to observe Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support for those affected by suicide or experiencing behavioral health challenges.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment on an amendment to the state’s Medicaid Traditional Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities (IID/DD) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver dated April 1, 2025. Comments will be accepted from Aug. 29 through Sept. 28.

On Aug. 31, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joins communities across the state and around the world in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day — a time to honor those lost to overdose, support loved ones, and celebrate the strength of individuals, families, and communities working together to prevent substance use harms and save lives.

As the Best in Class program marks its fifth anniversary, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has received new funding to expand the program and provide more children with high-quality early childhood experiences.

HHS announced today that 64 early childhood programs and 94 classrooms across North Dakota are participating in Best in Class which focuses on giving children in the year before kindergarten a strong start. The program invests in early childhood providers who are committed to delivering engaging, meaningful, high-quality experiences to children and their families. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause West Nile virus infection.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to announce that Emily O’Brien will join the agency as deputy commissioner, effective Aug. 20.

As students prepare to head back to school, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages families to support children’s well-being by focusing on healthy routines, preventive care and emotional readiness. Establishing healthy habits as summer winds down – focusing on sleep patterns, screen use, physical activity, mental health and overall wellness – can help children return to school prepared, healthy, confident and ready to learn.