News

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is excited to announce that court staff, child welfare professionals and families are coming together in three North Dakota communities to finalize the adoptions of over 30 children in celebration of National Adoption Day on Nov. 23.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about lead during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from Oct. 20 to26. This year’s theme is “Bright futures begin lead-free.”  

Lead poisoning is preventable, and prevention starts with screening.

As of Oct. 23, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported 73 cases of pertussis (also known as “whooping cough”) so far in 2024, compared to 17 cases in all of 2023. Cases have occurred in 11 counties, compared to two counties last year. Cases range from infants to adults, and four infants have been hospitalized. HHS has issued a health advisory on pertussis to North Dakota health care providers.

More than 500 North Dakotans are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In recognition of breast cancer awareness month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds women that early detection and screening saves lives, and Women’s Way may provide a way to pay for breast cancer screenings for eligible North Dakotans.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has a new quality care initiative aimed at improving overall experiences and outcomes for North Dakotans who are residents of the state’s nursing facilities.  

The Nursing Facility Incentive Program, developed in partnership with the North Dakota Long Term Care Association and nursing facility providers, is an incentive-based quality improvement program. It provides an annual payment to facilities based on their performance in four Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services resident care and facility process measures: urinary tract infections, antipsychotic drugs, pressure ulcers and hospitalizations.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will now provide more assistance to qualifying households.

HHS will begin accepting LIHEAP applications on Oct. 1. If approved, program applicants can receive heating assistance from October-May.

In the last year, LIHEAP assisted 14,405 qualifying North Dakota households, providing $11.2 million in support of their home energy costs.

Today, nearly 650 North Dakotans provide kinship care to more than 1,170 children who cannot remain in their homes safely.  

Whether it’s a grandparent, aunt, uncle, godparent, older sibling, extended family member or someone who shares a close relationship with a child (fictive kin), September is a month designated to recognize and celebrate those who provide full-time care, nurturing support, protection, and care for children.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), Fargo-Cass Public Health and other health partners held a community kickoff event today in Fargo to encourage North Dakotans to prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season.

North Dakota Health & Human Services (HHS) and State Health Officer Nizar Wehbi, MD, are joining with health care leaders from Fargo Cass Public Health, Essentia Health and Sanford Health, and other community health partners in Fargo to announce the kickoff of fall respiratory illness prevention efforts.

Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 15-21, 2024 

North Dakotans are used to traveling for various gatherings such as holidays, vacations, family reunions, and other occasions. During National Child Passenger Safety Week, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Vision Zero, reminds parents, caregivers, and all drivers to make sure everyone is buckled up, every trip, every time.  A North Dakota family from Cass County is sharing their story of how they survived a vehicle crash.