Pat Traynor, Interim Director at HHS | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Pat Traynor, Interim Director at HHS | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has disclosed the recipients of the latest Opioid Settlement Fund grants. These grants aim to bolster efforts in preventing opioid misuse, expanding treatment and recovery services, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce across North Dakota.
"Opioid settlement funds allow us to invest in programs that save lives, support recovery and build healthier communities," stated Christopher Joseph, chair of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and general counsel for the Governor’s Office. "We’re proud to partner with organizations doing the vital work of prevention, treatment and recovery every day across the state."
This grant cycle is part of North Dakota's ongoing involvement in national opioid settlements with manufacturers and distributors. The state anticipates receiving around $60 million over 18 years, which must be used according to national settlement guidelines to mitigate the opioid crisis.
The North Dakota Legislature allocated funds to HHS for 2025-2027 to further expand access to evidence-based services. Applicants were encouraged to align their proposals with priority recommendations from the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. Key priorities included expanding community-based treatment services, increasing access within correctional settings, supporting prevention strategies through coalitions, enhancing workforce capabilities, and implementing Syringe Service Programs.
Several organizations have been selected for funding based on their proposed initiatives:
- Heartview Foundation will receive $128,890 for establishing an Opioid Treatment Program and a peer support specialist program in Dickinson.
- ND Training Academy for Addiction Professionals (TAAP) will get $2,496,562 to enhance addiction counselor training by providing scholarships and internships.
- North Dakota State University ONE Program will receive various amounts for different projects including establishing medication units in rural pharmacies ($140,691), creating prevention programs in correctional facilities ($247,545), and developing culturally responsive education content ($165,639).
- Goldfinch Health will receive $382,829 for partnering with hospitals on post-surgery prescribing practices.
- Family HealthCare is awarded $1,667,500 for a model screening program at Cass County Jail.
- USpireND Healthy Families North Dakota gets $212,388 for a home visiting program targeting parents affected by substance exposure or incarceration.
- Southwest Multi-County Correction Center receives $829,848 for expanding treatment services.
- Several judicial district drug courts are funded between $48,000-$72,000 each for providing disorder treatment services.
- First District Health Unit is granted $162,882 to expand Syringe Service Programs.
- Rolette County Public Health District receives $223,868 for implementing a substance use prevention curriculum.
- Ward County Detention Center gets $224,655 for an opioid use disorder treatment program.
- MHA Sober Living Program is awarded $264,129 to establish a sober living facility on Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
- Providence House Minot LLC receives $390,000 for residential treatment services targeting pregnant women.
Each project starts on July 1st under a two-year contract period. Grant applications were submitted between April 4th and April 28th with selections based on alignment with best practices.
“These awards reflect our commitment to helping North Dakotans access the support and services they need,” said Pamela Sagness from HHS Behavioral Health Division. “As programs are implemented we continue seeing positive outcomes.”
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