News

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) joins with the world in recognizing Dec. 1, as World AIDS Day and reflects on the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Primary Care Office (PCO) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021-2022 application cycle for the Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program. This program was created to increase the number of providers in the disciplines of dentistry, medicine and behavioral health who are practicing in areas of the state that have a defined need for such services.

On Monday, Nov. 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its recommendation for individuals 18 years and older to receive a COVID-19 booster shot due to the recent emergence of the COVID-19 B.1.1.529 variant known as Omicron.

Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines for COVID-19 booster vaccines, expanding eligibility to all adults over 18 years of age who have completed their primary series. In advance of the holiday season, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is encouraging all adults (18 years and older) who are eligible to receive a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to do so.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) urges parents to get children vaccinated against influenza. Getting vaccinated has been shown to reduce illness, doctor visits, missed days of work and school. Influenza vaccine also decreases the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death in children.

Nov. 22 marks the inaugural North Dakota Public Health Thank You Day, as proclaimed by Gov. Doug Burgum. Public Health Thank You Day is a day to encourage North Dakotans to express gratitude for public health’s extraordinary contributions to the public good. Nationally, the Monday before Thanksgiving has been recognized by APHA, Research!America as a day to express gratitude for the work done by public health professionals.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) encourages residents to take precautions to prevent foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning. Each year, 48 million people in the United States will get sick from a foodborne illness, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Safe handling, preparation and storage of food can help prevent foodborne illness due to contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxins.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) recognizes U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week Nov. 18-24, 2021. The week brings awareness to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s year-round campaign “Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care,” which is focused on improving antibiotic prescription and combating antibiotic resistance.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 14 was World Diabetes Day. The North Dakota Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (NDDPCP) at the NDDoH is partnering with health systems, pharmacies and community-based organizations across the state to increase awareness and action around prediabetes and diabetes care.

Friday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m. CT the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is hosting a live virtual Town Hall regarding the recent FDA authorization of both COVID-19 vaccine boosters for adults and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.