ND Health and Human Services

Do you have a background in early childhood and enjoy mentoring, coaching, meeting new people and observing educational environments? If so, becoming a Child Development Associate Professional Development Specialist may be a great fit for you! Learn how you can serve this important role and be part of a network of highly qualified early childhood professionals. https://lnkd.in/gbatUtU5

This past weekend, the Gateway to Health event in Bismarck was a huge success! We hosted the community event along with Bismarck State College and ND's Gateway to Science. The event offered free access to health exhibits, interactive booths, games, prizes and more, like hands-only CPR training. It was a fantastic day of learning and fun! Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event memorable! Let’s continue to support and promote health and well-being in our communities!

We are excited to announce that North Dakota is among seven states selected by the national Center for Health Care Strategies to participate in a 14-month learning series to strengthen Medicaid member engagement through our Medicaid Member Engagement Committee (MMEC). Our goal is to meaningfully engage our members’ lived experiences to help shape North Dakota Medicaid’s program and policies. Apply to be on our MMEC at https://lnkd.in/guaT3knF See announcement: https://lnkd.in/geb6qyrj  

Christiana Pond, Children and Family Services kinship navigator, was presented the 2024 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Champion Award during the 23rd annual North Dakota Indian Child Welfare and Wellness Conference. The ICWA Champion Award honors those who go above and beyond in serving Native American children and families. During the award presentation, Christiana’s dedication to serving families through the Kinship-ND program was highlighted. “This year’s winner is both an advocate and ally, she is the coordinator of a program that not only recognizes the importance of placement preferences but works to assist kin with resources, so they are able to take in their family members. She demonstrates kindness when it comes to working with families. She is extremely helpful through the kinship application process. She has an abundance of resources and advice for the child and caregiver as well. Her spirit of helpfulness and hope lightens the path for families that may be experiencing temporary out of home situations. She conducts herself personally and professionally with grace and gratitude.” The Kinship-ND program helps support relative and non-relative kinship caregivers who provide care and protection when a child cannot remain in their home. The program assists those who have private arrangements and those working with state or tribal child welfare. Through the Kinship-ND program, caregivers can receive one-on-one support, resources and referrals and financial assistance. Learn more about Kinship-ND at kinshipnd.com

A big THANK YOU to the Jamestown community for donating to our Vocational Rehabilitation food and personal care item drive on Aug. 5. We collected about 640 food and personal care items that will be given to the Buffalo Bridges Human Service Zone office’s Bridge Together Food Pantry. Together, we are making a difference in our community!

In this short video, Amber Strauser shares why she's passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction. As a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), she's dedicated to making a difference in people's lives. Ready to join the fight against addiction? Visit www.hhs.nd.gov/careers to explore opportunities and apply for a rewarding position as a licensed addiction counselor!

Join us on Tuesday, July 23 for this month's Lunch and Learn, Housing is Health Care. Discussion will include ways housing improves health outcomes, statistics on people living with homelessness and more. HHS also has housing services available to support those struggling with housing finances. The Lunch and Learn can be watched at: https://lnkd.in/gv5mfiYB. More about HHS housing services can be found at https://lnkd.in/gXucHKWT

In this short video, Candace Bercier shares why she's passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction. As a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), she's dedicated to making a difference in people's lives. Ready to join the fight against addiction? Visit www.hhs.nd.gov/careers to explore opportunities and apply for a rewarding position as a licensed addiction counselor!

We are excited to announce Jasmin Child Care and Preschool in Fargo as the first recipient of the Non-Traditional Hour Child Care pilot grant! HHS Commissioner Wayne Salter joined Jasmin Child Care and Preschool Vice President Muhamad Hussein and the program's team, local partners and legislative members to celebrate this new public-private partnership supporting our state's critical child care needs. Learn more about this new program at https://lnkd.in/d8p4KU7c.

Our vision is to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation! We’ve got a passionate team committed to the goal, a portfolio of more than 150 programs and services to improve health and well-being, and coming soon, our first business plan as one health and human services team. See how it’s taking shape.