North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $353,983 in community suicide prevention grants to seven organizations across the state. Funding will support projects that implement evidence-based strategies focused on higher risk populations and emphasize life skills development, resilience-building, and social connectedness.
“These efforts help individuals build the tools they need to cope with life’s challenges — from economic stress to aging to mental health struggles — before a crisis occurs,” said Melissa Markegard, HHS suicide prevention administrator. “By promoting upstream approaches to suicide prevention like stress management and building strong community connection, we can reduce suicide risk and help people feel supported and connected.”
Grant Recipients and Focus Areas
- Haugen Performance Consulting – Engaging collegiate student-athletes and sports stakeholders statewide
- Eyes on the Horizon Consulting – Supporting suicide prevention among rural farmers and ranchers
- Minot State University – ND Center for Persons with Disabilities – Training professionals and serving individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges
- Cook Center for Human Connection – Focusing efforts on adolescents and young adults statewide
- Peer Vision for Mental Health and Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks – Providing services for veterans and service members
- Quality Health Associates – Reaching older adults in rural and agricultural communities
- FirstLink – Strengthening connections and outreach for rural Native American populations
This initiative follows a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in April and will fund community-based efforts from August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, using state dollars. Funded projects aim to strengthen community readiness and lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable suicide prevention programming.
During the last biennium, similar grants supported programs that reached approximately 37,000 individuals across North Dakota.
Support Is Always Available
HHS reminds North Dakotans that if you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — a free, confidential resource available 24/7.
For more information about suicide prevention resources and services, visit
www.hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention/suicide.