News

Reentering society after incarceration presents a host of challenges, from securing stable housing and employment to accessing health care and recovery resources. In North Dakota, a robust partnership between multiple state agencies and community organizations is making a tangible difference in the lives of justice-involved individuals. Through collaboration between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR), North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), Job Service North Dakota (JSND), the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), and various community partners, providers, nonprofits and faith-based organizations, reentry efforts are more coordinated and effective than ever before.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently completed its five-year needs assessment to identify new or emerging priorities for the maternal and child health population. New activities for the priorities will begin Oct. 1, 2025, and run until Sept. 30, 2030. HHS is inviting public comment on the draft priorities now through April 4.
 

Williston area families are invited to participate in a no-cost community Gateway to Health event on Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC).

March 16-22 is nationally recognized as Poison Prevention Week. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about the risks posed by poisonous substances, precautions people can take to keep themselves and their families safe, and how people can get help if poisoning happens.

This March, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joins partner organizations to raise awareness about colorectal cancer - the second most common form of cancer affecting both men and women in North Dakota. Cases in the U.S. are rising among adults under age 50, according to the American Cancer Society. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) invites residents to a quarterly update about the state’s efforts to make it easier for North Dakotans with physical disabilities to live at home with in-home help and other community support services on Thursday, March 20, 1-3 p.m. CT in Bismarck or virtually.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced North Dakota’s temporary, pandemic emergency response program for renters experiencing housing instability will begin ramping down in anticipation of the September 2025 expiration of federal funding available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  

Free online screening tool available helps identify gambling challenges

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong has proclaimed March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in North Dakota, underscoring the importance of understanding gambling-related issues and the availability of support for those affected. The full proclamation can be viewed here. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages residents to take a free, confidential online screening at gamblernd.com/diagnosing-a-problem to assess potential gambling concerns and access available resources.
 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment on a five-year renewal to the state’s Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment. The amendment allows Medicaid to pay for additional in-home and community-based services for qualifying children and adults with mental health conditions, substance use disorders and/or brain injuries. Comments will be accepted through March 28 at noon CT.