Pat Traynor Health and Human Services Interim Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Pat Traynor Health and Human Services Interim Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated $353,983 in community suicide prevention grants to seven organizations throughout the state. The funding is designated for projects implementing evidence-based strategies aimed at high-risk populations, with an emphasis on life skills development, resilience-building, and fostering social connectedness.
“These efforts help individuals build the tools they need to cope with life’s challenges — from economic stress to aging to mental health struggles — before a crisis occurs,” said Melissa Markegard, HHS suicide prevention administrator. “By promoting upstream approaches to suicide prevention like stress management and building strong community connection, we can reduce suicide risk and help people feel supported and connected.”
The grant recipients include:
- Haugen Performance Consulting: Engaging collegiate student-athletes and sports stakeholders statewide.
- Eyes on the Horizon Consulting: Supporting suicide prevention among rural farmers and ranchers.
- Minot State University – ND Center for Persons with Disabilities: Training professionals and serving individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.
- Cook Center for Human Connection: Focusing efforts on adolescents and young adults statewide.
- Peer Vision for Mental Health and Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks: Providing services for veterans and service members.
- Quality Health Associates: Reaching older adults in rural and agricultural communities.
- FirstLink: Strengthening connections and outreach for rural Native American populations.
This initiative follows a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in April. It will fund community-based efforts from August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, using state funds. The projects aim to enhance community readiness while establishing long-term sustainable suicide prevention programming.
In the previous biennium, similar grants facilitated programs that reached approximately 37,000 individuals across North Dakota.
HHS also reminds residents that support is available if someone is in crisis. People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a free confidential resource available around the clock.
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