News

North Dakota Health and Human Services announced that public health programs that serve children and families have increased their qualifying income levels based on changes in federal poverty level guidelines, which are updated annually to reflect cost-of-living changes.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, April 7-13, and recognizing the contributions of public health professionals on its team, in local public health units, and in other settings who work to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of North Dakotans in communities across the state.

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) 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.

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.