BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Departments of Human Services and Health are now combined into the State Department of Health and Human Services.
“North Dakota’s Department of Health and Department of Human Services have a long history of working together to serve North Dakotans,” Gov. Doug Burgum said in a statement. “Today the two departments have officially integrated into one agency, and we are deeply grateful for the hard work so many team members have invested in this effort.”
Department director Chris Jones said one of the first things people will notice is a new website, hhs.nd.gov.
“It is still in development, but it is much easier to navigate websites than it’s been in the past, and really focuses more on people than on the services themselves,” Jones said. “So, we’re really working hard to make it easier to find help. Whether it be economic health, physical health, or behavioral health through multiple platforms including a new website.”
The Department kicked off the merger with a virtual town hall for all the employees.
Jones said no jobs were cut because of the merger. He also said the new agency is still putting its finishing touches on its budget proposal for the next Legislative session, which Jones called a “work in progress.”
