News
Categories: Children and families
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.
Categories: Public Health
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.
Categories: Behavioral Health
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.
Categories: Public 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 Dr. David Hunnicutt, as a Rural Health Transformation Program strategist.
Hunnicutt brings more than two decades of nationally recognized leadership to this role, having served 20 years as CEO of WELCOA—one of the largest and most influential corporate health and wellness organizations in the U.S.
As principal of his own consulting firm, he spent seven years partnering with Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and the Impact Institute to design and launch initiatives that elevate leaders across North Dakota and strengthen the state’s capacity for long-term community well-being.
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.
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced three new grant opportunities for rural communities. The grant opportunities include a Zero Hour Physical Education initiative, community gardens projects, and community-based walking programs.
Grant applications will be accepted from April 22, 2026, through May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT. Information and applications can be found at hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding. Additional funding opportunities for health care, school and community-based organizations will roll out in coming weeks.
Categories: Immunization, Public Health
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Grand Forks County. This is the first case reported in Grand Forks 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 a total of 33 confirmed cases of measles to date in 2026, and five individuals have been hospitalized. The United States has confirmed 1,714 cases in 2026 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Categories: Public Health
Individuals and families are invited to the fourth annual Gateway to Health community event, which includes activities for all ages on Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science in Bismarck. Participants will enjoy free access to the science center during their registered two-hour time slot, along with access to interactive booths and exhibits promoting health and wellbeing through hands-on activities, games and prizes.
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reminding North Dakotans that services are available to strengthen families in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Read the Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation.