Hope and Healing Walk Highlights Resources and Community Voices
Last Thursday, September 10, Community Hospital's Behavioral Health Department hosted its annual Hope and Healing Walk for Suicide Prevention, bringing community members together for an evening of remembrance, support, and awareness.
Avera Relaunches 'Ask the Question' Suicide Prevention Campaign
During September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, Avera has launched its Ask the Question public service campaign for the fifth year.
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.
Two Rabid Bats Reported in Bismarck, North Dakota HHS Warns
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is alerting residents in Bismarck that since Aug. 20, 2026, two bats have tested positive for rabies within city limits and urges residents to take precautions and report unusual bat activity.
Nebraska DHHS Recognizes August as Child Support Awareness Month
This August, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) celebrates its Child Support Enforcement (CSE) team with Child Support Awareness Month.
North Dakota HHS Marks Suicide Prevention Month as 988 Contacts Rise
This September, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging communities across the state to strengthen connection, compassion and support as we recognize Suicide Prevention Month. Reach out, start a conversation and remind someone they are not alone. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma and help create communities where every North Dakotan feels supported and connected.
Sanford Bismarck CEO Todd Schaffer Promoted to Brigadier General
Sanford Bismarck President & CEO, Todd Schaffer, M.D., has been selected for promotion to Brigadier General and appointed to serve as Assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness (OUSW(P&R)), a senior military leadership position responsible for advising on Reserve component medical readiness, mobilization and health support policy across the Department of War.
Nebraska DHHS Urges MMR Vaccination as Measles Spreads Nearby
With measles outbreaks and significant exposure events occurring across the nation and recently in surrounding states, including southern Iowa, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services encourages Nebraskans to ensure everyone in their family is up to date on the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
CHI Health Provides FREE Future Planning During National 'Make a Will' Month
In observance of national "Make a Will" month, CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis are encouraging the community to create estate plans, ensuring their personal and healthcare wishes are clearly documented. To simplify the process, both hospital foundations provide FREE and secure access to an online platform that walks users through preparing vital legal paperwork — such as advance directives and wills — at no cost.
Park Haven Recovery Center Opens in Yankton for Mothers
Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center, a new residential treatment program for women dealing with substance use disorder, is ready to open after a ribbon cutting ceremony took place Aug. 19 in Yankton, SD. It will open its doors on Monday, Aug. 24.
Light Up the Night 5K for Mental Health Set for Sept. 12 in Kearney
Registration is now open for Light Up the Night 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Yanney Park in Kearney. Coordinated by CHI Health Richard Young Behavioral Health, the 13th annual Glow Race and Family Fun Night for Mental Health event raises community awareness, encourages resiliency and supports advocacy for emotional, psychological and social well-being.
North Dakota Opens $1M Grant to Improve Rural Care Coordination
A referral for healthcare or community services only works if a person successfully connects with the help they need. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing in a statewide planning effort to make those connections easier and strengthen care coordination for rural North Dakotans.
North Dakota Expands Behavioral Health Program Directory Statewide
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that residents can now search for mental health and substance use disorder programs in one place through the newly broadened Behavioral Health Program Directory.
North Dakota SUD Voucher Program Marks a Decade of Recovery Access
For the past 10 years, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has helped thousands of North Dakotans take the first step toward recovery through its Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Voucher program, which helps remove one of the biggest barriers to treatment: the ability to pay for care.
Barbara Lacina Named Director of Nebraska DHHS Economic Assistance Office
Barbara Lacina is now serving as director of the Office of Economic Assistance (OEA) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Nebraska Marks Fourth Anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
July 16, 2026 marks the fourth anniversary of 988, the three-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis national lifeline.
Community Hospital Invites McCook to Pink Out Rodeo for Cancer Awareness
Community Hospital is inviting area residents to wear pink and show their support for cancer awareness during the Pink Out Rodeo at the Red Willow County Fair on Saturday, July 25, beginning at 6 p.m. Community Hospital’s Cancer Awareness Committee has identified the Pink Out Rodeo as one of its community outreach events for 2026.
MercyOne Genesis Urges Heat Safety During the Fourth of July Holiday
The forecast for the week leading into the July 4 holiday and the John Deere Classic calls for an extended stretch of hot and humid weather.
Columbus Community Hospital Partners With Terrace Books for One-Day Book Fair
In July, Columbus Community Hospital will welcome Terrace Books for a one-day book fair. The fair will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, July 20, in the Platte and Prairie rooms at the hospital.