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.
HHS established North Dakota’s medical cache system more than 20 years ago to address challenges often faced by rural states, including long transportation distances, severe weather, and supply chain disruptions. What began as a modest storage operation has grown into a mature, statewide capability that includes and supports hospitals, EMS agencies, long-term care facilities, public health units, emergency management partners, and others.
The cache supports both routine healthcare needs and emergency operations. Its frequent deployments help maintain readiness, reinforce partner coordination, and ensure equitable access to medical materials across North Dakota. The system includes medical supplies, durable equipment, cold-chain resources, transportation assets, and other tools that support medical surge, infrastructure continuity, and patient movement.
Tim Wiedrich, director of Health Response and Licensure, said the cache is a cornerstone of North Dakota’s coordinated approach. “Our system was built through collaboration and a shared vision,” Wiedrich said. “We are a rural state, and having a centralized cache ensures that resources reach the right place at the right time. It strengthens day-to-day operations and gives us confidence that we can support communities when challenges arise.”
“Emergency preparedness is a daily commitment in North Dakota,” said Juli Sickler, director of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit. “Our partners have built a system that supports everyday healthcare operations and can scale quickly during a crisis. This recognition from ASPR reflects the dedication of our statewide network and shows the importance of maintaining preparedness year-round.”
The statewide medical cache is rooted in early collaboration with healthcare, emergency management, and other private-sector stakeholders, as well as consistent leadership support and strategic use of federal preparedness funding.
HHS encourages North Dakotans to observe Emergency Preparedness Month by taking simple steps to prepare for severe weather, power outages, and other common disruptions. Residents can review household emergency plans, assemble basic supply kits, and stay informed about local alerts. Preparedness activities help strengthen community resilience and reduce strain on emergency response systems.
More information about the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit and the medical cache program is available at hhs.nd.gov/health/epr.