ND Health and Human Services

Earlier this month, professionals from our Economic Assistance, Medicaid, and other divisions came together for a meaningful event focused on learning, collaboration, and the heart of our work: building strong, stable families. From exploring the impact of the work we do to walking in the shoes of those we serve, this event reminded us that every moment matters — and that our work truly transforms lives. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this powerful event to life. Your commitment to service and innovation continues to uplift communities across North Dakota. #StrongStableFamilies #MomentsMatter #NDHHS #2025SpringSymposium

A note of gratitude goes to the Center for Health Care Strategies and National Association of Medicaid Directors for showcasing the collaborative effort taking place in North Dakota to improve programs for children with disabilities and their families. This important work aligns with our vision to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation. Also, thank you RWJF (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) for supporting the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast series. 

Join us in congratulating Lori Demester - one of North Dakota’s Best in Class teachers. Lori is a preschool teacher for the New Rockford-Sheyenne School District and was awarded the 2025 Eddy County Teacher of the Year! North Dakota’s Best in Class program coaches and supports early childhood programs to help them deliver amazing, high-quality experiences to children in the year before kindergarten. In early childhood we know that adult-child interactions are the absolute biggest key to success. Eddy County kids sure are lucky to have Lori as an early childhood champion! Learn more about Best in Class at hhs.nd.gov/best-in-class

This Mental Health Awareness Month, discover how Functional Family Therapy is helping families stay connected and thrive together. Read Dori’s inspiring story of healing in Jamestown.  https://lnkd.in/gTHj5r_c

Thank you Health Tech 4 Medicaid for spotlighting our very own Sarah Aker. We are grateful for her leadership and passion for helping North Dakota become the healthiest state in the nation.

Shout out to the medical laboratory professionals at the ND State Laboratory. Their work protects public health and supports healthy and safe communities by providing accurate and timely diagnostic tests and supporting infectious disease surveillance. They help track emerging threats and antimicrobial resistance trends and perform environmental and water testing, ensuring the safety of drinking and recreational water.

More than 600 early childhood professionals gathered at our first-ever North Dakota Early Childhood Conference to network and explore early childhood best practices. The event consisted of several breakout sessions and engaging keynote speeches that provided attendees with tools and knowledge to help shape the environment, experiences and interactions of North Dakota’s young children. Thank you Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden for joining us and North Dakota Child Care Professionals Inc., Child Care Aware of North Dakota, Mandan Little Learners and Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership for helping make this event possible by serving on the planning committee! 

Tracy Miller, Family Preservation and Prevention Administrator with Children and Family Services, has been awarded the 2025 North Dakota Family-Based Services Special Recognition Award. This honor is given to individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment and leadership in supporting the mission of the North Dakota Family-Based Services Association. The award criteria include outstanding support of the North Dakota Family Based Services Association’s philosophy, significant contributions to the community, and innovative use of resources and collaboration. Tracy’s work in these areas has made a profound impact, addressing immediate needs in line with the association’s mission. Tracy’s dedication to the community and her exceptional contributions make her a deserving recipient of this year’s award. Congratulations, Tracy, for your inspiring leadership and commitment to making a difference in the lives of families and communities across North Dakota.  

This Public Health Week, we are highlighting public health professionals like Robin Iszler who make a difference in their communities with the work they do to help North Dakota become the healthiest state in the nation. Read more about Robin's public health journey at https://lnkd.in/gNJepgN9

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Interim Commissioner Dirk Wilke today announced the resignation of Deputy Commissioner Sara Stolt, thanking her for six years of service to the citizens of North Dakota. Stolt’s last day will be April 30. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gcHTEVwh