News

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month this September, North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is encouraging awareness of resources and key actions that can help save lives. While suicide prevention is important year-round, education, promoting compassion, learning and sharing resources during this month can help all North Dakotans be prepared to play an important role in preventing a tragic decision to be made by a struggling individual.

The Office of the First Lady, Office of Recovery Reinvented and North Dakota Health and Human Services' (HHS) Behavioral Health Division is celebrating North Dakotans and their family members in recovery, recognizing the dedicated individuals who provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports, and raising awareness about programs and services that can support people to achieve recovery.

The Behavioral Health Division of the North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Speak Volumes alcohol awareness campaign, has a new website app that empowers users to make responsible decisions by knowing the alcohol content of beverages.

Today, Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is commemorating the day by remembering those lost due to drug overdoses without stigma and recognizing the grief of their family members and friends. The HHS Behavioral Health Division is raising awareness about available prevention resources that can help save North Dakotans’ lives.

As children head back into the classroom and restart their routines, Parents Lead is reminding parents and caregivers of the different tools and resources it provides to help navigate the emotional responses that children and teenagers have during this exciting and stressful time.  

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus (WNV) cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause WNV infection. 

As of Aug. 22, North Dakota reported nine human WNV cases, with additional cases pending further results. Of the nine cases, eight were hospitalized, and seven were neuroinvasive cases. In addition to human cases, three birds and 22 mosquito pools have also tested positive for WNV.  

The Gateway to Health event will take place Saturday, Aug. 26  Community participants will have FREE access to the North Dakota Gateway to Science exhibits for their registered two-hour time slot and access to interactive health booths and exhibitors. IMPORTANT: attendees must be preregistered to attend the event.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program’s standard of need will increase to 50% of the federal poverty level beginning Aug. 1. The increase comes in conjunction with the removal of the Pay After Performance requirement that came into effect on July 1, as part of an overall modernization effort.  

North Dakota’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will hold a listening session on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m. CDT, to gather ideas on how to make a positive impact on the state’s system of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services targeting opioid misuse and addiction.