News

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. 

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.  

February marks American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and its prevention according to North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS).

In 2023, heart disease remained the leading cause of death in North Dakota. That same year, 31.1% of adults in the state reported being told by a health care provider that they had high blood pressure. Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease but often go unnoticed or are not properly managed.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the opening of Bridges to Recovery, a new residential treatment program in Jamestown that provides a safe, supportive place for individuals to focus on their recovery. Operated by South Central Human Service Center, Bridges to Recovery is a clinically managed, high-intensity residential program designed to provide a structured, 24-hour therapeutic environment. The program offers round-the-clock care, therapy, and essential behavioral health services to help people build a strong foundation for wellness and long-term success.

February is nationally designated as Children’s Dental Health Month. In observance, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joins dental professionals, health care providers, educators and other partners in promoting good oral health to children, their parents and caregivers, teachers and others.

Health-related professions are among the fastest growing and personally rewarding career fields. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to recruit and retain health care providers in the state, especially in underserved and rural areas, by offering student loan repayment help for qualifying health, behavioral health and dental professionals.

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 changes and disorders present at birth. They are common, 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) today announced that funding assistance is now available to help with the legal costs of gaining guardianship as a kinship caregiver.