News

Calling rural health care a generational opportunity, Governor Kelly Armstrong used his State of the State address to urge bold action as lawmakers consider nearly $200 million in federal funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a major birth defect in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Birth defects include structural differences and disorders present at birth. They are costly and can affect any family. They also range from mild to serious and include critical conditions that can cause lifelong health challenges affecting almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain or limbs.

 North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages residents to take precautions as influenza activity remains high with newly reported influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths. 

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today announced that North Dakota has been awarded $199 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support the first year of a statewide Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding will strengthen rural health care by improving access, quality and health outcomes for North Dakotans in rural communities over the next five years.

As North Dakotans prepare to gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages everyone to take simple steps to support the health and well-being of themselves and loved ones. From food safety and illness prevention to mental health, physical activity and recovery support, small actions can help make the holiday safe, meaningful and connected for all. 

Lead is a toxic metal found in the environment and in homes. Even in small amounts, lead is harmful to young children and pregnant women.

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 19-25, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and some local public health partners are raising awareness about lead and sharing information about ways to prevent and address lead exposure and poisoning.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that the Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification application is now available online marking an important step in strengthening the state’s health workforce and improving access to care and support.

During National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21–27, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Vision Zero, reminds caregivers with young children to safely buckle children in vehicles. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) confirms the first reported measles case in Burke County, making it the fourth county in the state impacted by measles. Confirmed measles cases in the state have increased to 28 since May 2.