North Dakota HHS Encourages Residents to Prepare for Respiratory Season
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages North Dakotans to prepare for fall and winter respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), RSV and COVID-19. Now is a good time to talk with a trusted healthcare provider about recommended respiratory immunizations and other ways to stay healthy.
Parents Lead Encourages Everyday Bullying Prevention Conversations
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Parents Lead, a North Dakota initiative administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), encourages parents and caregivers to make bullying prevention part of everyday life. Simple conversations and everyday interactions can help children build confidence, resilience and empathy while developing the skills they need to form positive relationships and stand up for themselves and others.
Potential Measles Exposure on a Train in Minot
A passenger with measles traveled on Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder, which departed Chicago on Sept. 23 and arrived in Minot the morning of Sept. 24. This created a potential exposure risk for passengers and anyone at the station while the train was scheduled to be in Minot from approximately 9:06 to 9:51 a.m. CT. The passenger reported getting off the train to use the restroom at the Minot station at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Stephanie Bates Named Executive Director of HHS Medical Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has named health policy expert Stephanie Bates to lead its Medical Services Division, which administers Medicaid services, the Children's Health Insurance Program, autism services and other health-related services that benefit North Dakotans.
North Dakota State Hospital Celebrates Beam Signing
On September 22, 2026, JLG Architects joined state leaders in Jamestown, ND, to celebrate the beam signing of the new North Dakota State Hospital (NDSH), under construction just west of the existing State Hospital.
North Dakota HHS Honors 2026 Behavioral Health Conference Award Recipients
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) recognized five individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions to children, families and behavioral health services during the 2026 Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference.
North Dakota HHS Recognizes September as National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month, as proclaimed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. The month celebrates people in recovery, the families and communities who support them and the possibility of recovery from mental health and substance use challenges. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds North Dakotans that recovery looks different for everyone, and support is available at every stage of the journey. Read the National Recovery Month proclamation.
North Dakota HHS Adds $400,000 to FamilyFirst Services Grant
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering an additional $400,000 of FamilyFirst Services Training and Implementation Grant funding for agencies and professionals to complete training and deliver approved, evidence-based prevention services, with applications open now through March 1, 2027, or until all funds are awarded.
Registration Opens for 2026 North Dakota Caregiver Summit in Bismarck
Registration is now open for the 2026 Caring for the Caregiver – Caregiver Summit, scheduled for Aug. 20 and offering options to attend in person at the Health Response and Licensure Building in Bismarck, virtually or at a local watch party.
$400,000 in Grants Available to Strengthen North Dakota Families
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that $400,000 of FamilyFirst Services Training and Implementation Grant funds are available for agencies and professionals to complete training and provide approved, evidence-based FamilyFirst prevention services. Grant applications are open now and will be accepted through March 1, 2027, or until all funds are allocated.
West Nile Virus: Mosquito Bite Prevention Is Best Defense
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds people that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid West Nile virus. Although no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported to HHS so far this year, there is a risk of contracting the disease anytime mosquitoes are active.
North Dakota Announces $40 Million Grant Program to Strengthen Rural Hospital Care Close to Home
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a new $40 million funding opportunity designed to help rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment, strengthen emergency and specialty care services, and keep more healthcare close to home for North Dakotans.
Cass County Reports Confirmed Measles Case
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Cass County. This is the first case reported in Cass County in 2026.
HHS Broadens Access to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Via Telehealth Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) FamilyFirst Services now offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) through telehealth by an approved provider to eligible families.
Women Urged to Make Their Health and Well-Being a Priority
May 10-16, which overlaps Mother’s Day, is recognized as National Women’s Health Week. This year, the federal Office of Women’s Health and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) are promoting the theme: “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health,” and focusing attention on prevention and early detection of women’s health issues, chronic diseases and science-based care.
Measles Case Confirmed in Grand Forks County; HHS Shares Exposure Site Details
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Grand Forks County. This is the first case reported in Grand Forks County in 2026.
Ransom County Reports One Measles Case
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Ransom County. This is the first case reported in Ransom County.
HHS Launches Initial Funding Opportunity to Strengthen Rural Health Care Workforce
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the first Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity is now available to support the retention of health care professionals in North Dakota’s 37 critical access hospitals and their owned and operated clinics. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. CT April 30.
HHS Observes Poison Prevention Week
March 15-21 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.
Measles Case Reported in Traill County as Pembina County Confirms Additional Case
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Traill County and another case in Pembina County for a statewide total of 23 confirmed cases to date in 2026. This is the first case reported in Traill County.