Public News Service

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, 18 states currently either ban abortion completely or after six weeks of pregnancy. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota's abortion ban overturned

Abortion care restrictions in North Dakota are expected to be lifted in the near future, following a court ruling on Thursday. A state judge said …

According to Planned Parenthood, roughly 4,000 crisis pregnancy centers operate in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Debating ND government's connection to crisis pregnancy centers

Legal disputes still surround North Dakota's abortion ban. Underneath the court activity is the influence of "crisis pregnancy centers" and debate …

A coalition of national medical groups said equitable access to voting is a way to safeguard public health and avoid restrictive laws that result in adverse health effects, such as higher COVID-19 mortality rates. (Adobe Stock)

Go ahead and vote this fall; your health might thank you

Election Day is a little more than two months away and North Dakotans turned off by the political environment are urged to consider their long-term he…

In North Dakota and elsewhere, various nonprofits are trying to take block parties and similar events to another level with activities that emphasize physical movement and other forms of engagement, so that all community members have access to a healthier lifestyle. (Adobe Stock)

Not your average block party: ND project aims to inspire 'active' city planning

Community developers are tasked with balancing infrastructure needs - like roads, with amenities for the public to enjoy. Organizers behind an …

A 2022 survey found half of adults in the United States said someone in their family had experienced a severe mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock/AI)

ND, other states see progress with 988 but report recommends additional steps

A new report looking at the rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline found a wide variance between states, with North Dakota included in the …

The Environmental Protection Agency says the years 2002, 2003 and 2012 had the highest reported incidence rates of West Nile virus in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

25 years of West Nile: How virus' trends are playing out in 2024

West Nile virus has had a presence in the United States for a quarter of a century. A mild winter and rainy spring sets the stage for more mosquitoes …

The AFL-CIO said in 2022, the Black workers' job fatality rate in the U.S. was the highest it has been in nearly 15 years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND again ranks high for workplace danger

North Dakota has not managed to substantially reverse its rate of workplace fatalities. An annual report puts the state in the top five in the …

In making it easier to obtain a master's degree in nursing, officials with North Dakota's University of Jamestown say they can close gaps in turning out more nursing educators. The industry has been plagued with shortages in those who can train future nurses. (Adobe Stock)

Technology, flexibility at core of new ND nursing degree program

When students return to a North Dakota college this fall, some will be in a new nursing program. Leaders say not only will it help with workforce …

A North Dakota dietitian recommended if you're trying to maintain a healthy nutritional plan, it is important to give yourself grace if not all meals are healthy. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Healthy diet doesn't have to be a lofty, expensive goal

March is National Nutrition Month, and North Dakotans are being reminded of ways to better manage their health through personalized diet plans …

Aside from surgeons, North Dakota sits below regional and national averages in its numbers of physicians and specialists per capita. (Adobe Stock)

ND hopes new campaign beefs up rural health-care workforce

North Dakota lags behind other Midwestern states when it comes to having an adequate number of health-care physicians. State officials say a new …

Agriculture experts said even if farmers are lucky to have health insurance, behavioral health services may be considered

Despite more awareness, mental-health barriers remain for farmers

It is January and North Dakota farmers may already be looking ahead to the spring planting season. Mental health providers see hope and challenges …

The American Red Cross says in the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood through its facilities has fallen by about 40%. (Adobe Stock)

National shortages underscore pleas for blood donations

The American Red Cross said it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. A regional facility in North Dakota said its situation is not quite as …

Over the past year, a handful of the leading insulin manufacturers have announced price caps on the heels of policy changes under the federal Inflation Reduction Act that capped out-of-pocket costs for people enrolled in Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

More insulin price caps taking effect in 2024

The movement to cap insulin prices for diabetes patients grew larger in the United States this week. Consumer advocates in North Dakota say the news …

Between 2019 and 2021, North Dakota saw a decline in high-schoolers using e-cigarette-type products, mirroring national trends. (AdobeStock)

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

Cigarettes may not appeal to America's youth like they did in the 1960s, but a significant number still experiment with e-cigarettes. The Centers …

During Health Literacy Month, experts say providers should learn tips such as using plain language and encouraging questions to make sure patients understand what they're being told. (Adobe Stock)

Health Literacy Month: Get info from the right sources

October is Health Literacy Month, and a North Dakota official says there are key things you can do to ensure you're getting the right information to …

As the public becomes more aware of mental-health care needs in the United States, federal officials say it's not just an issue of not having enough counselors to see patients. They say there is still a lack of parity when it comes to approving insurance benefits for those seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Feds crack down on insurance providers for limiting mental health care benefits

In rural states such as North Dakota, accessing mental-health care can be extremely difficult. Federal officials say it's even worse when someone's …

According to the Congressional Budget Office, nationwide spending on prescription drugs increased from $30 billion in 1980 to $335 billion in 2018. Consumer advocates accuse drug makers of sharply increasing their prices, forcing people to spend more on these medications. (Adobe Stock)

ND Voices See Light at End of Tunnel on Prescription Costs

Older North Dakotans and a key advocacy group are hopeful that seniors will see relief from the heavy burden of prescription drug costs - and they're …

Roughly 30 states now allow some form of raw-milk sales, including North Dakota. (Pixabay)

Raw Milk Gets Foot in the Door in ND, But Health Risk Warnings Remain

North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who …

Associations for Community Health Centers say if Congress do not extend federal funding, nearly seven million patients around the United States could lose access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Record Demand, Community Health Centers Confront Key Obstacles

This week is National Health Center Week. The facilities help to close care gaps in underserved communities, and regional and national leaders hope …

A new U.S. Geological Survey study confirms that PFAS, or

Study: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in 45% of U.S. Faucets

A new government study estimates nearly half of the nation's tap water has at least one type of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known …

AARP experts say greater mental well-being, achieved through activities such as hiking, is associated with reduced dementia risks. (Adobe Stock)

If You Dust Off Those Hiking Shoes, Your Brain Might Thank You

Summer is here, leading to opportunities for older North Dakotans to get outside and not only improve their physical health but their brain health…

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation give North Dakota high marks in some areas when it comes to child well-being, including kids' overall health. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Experts 'Look Under the Hood' for Child Well-Being in ND

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened. States like North Dakota fared better in the overall …

According to 2022 data, more than 126,000 North Dakotans have insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Adobe Stock)

ND Issues Medicaid Renewal Plea After Thousands Disenrolled

North Dakota officials are urging people receiving health coverage through a key public program to stay on top of their renewal if they are still elig…

More than 60% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist, and almost half do not have a psychologist, compared with 27% and 19% of urban counties, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Challenges, Report Has Clues to Boost Rural Mental Health Care

A new report spotlighted some of the challenges to accessing behavioral health care for the one in seven Americans who live in rural areas. Those …

In North Dakota, opponents of a proposed abortion ban which cleared the Legislature said anti-abortion politicians are trying to control women's bodies and lives. Supporters contend they are trying to protect the unborn. (Adobe Stock)

As Court Case Plays Out, ND Lawmakers Approve Abortion Ban

North Dakota has been steeped in a legal challenge to the state's trigger ban on abortions, which is currently blocked. Now, the Legislature has …

This session, North Dakota lawmakers have faced calls to adopt additional prescription drug cost reform. Some efforts have come up short, but an insulin cap bill for public workers was sent to the governor. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Advance Insulin Price-Cap Bill

In the national quest to help people with diabetes deal with the skyrocketing costs of insulin, North Dakota lawmakers are weighing in, as a bill to …

In 2021, North Dakota's community health centers recorded more than 127,000 visits. Leaders say these facilities save the state money by providing certain care that keeps patients out of emergency rooms. (Adobe Stock)

Workforce Issues Prompt Plea from ND's Community Health Centers

Nearly 30 states provide direct funding to community health centers, and there's a push to add North Dakota to the list. Supporters say the extra …

On January 24th, AARP will lead advocacy day at North Dakota's state capitol, in hopes of getting more focus on issues such as prescription drug costs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Urged to Look at Drug Costs, Fraud Restitution

North Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to return to Bismarck early next month. They'll hear calls to help older residents, with the cost of …

A national advocacy group says three-quarters of women in the United States who are entering the workforce will be pregnant and employed at some point of their lives. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Clock Ticking on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Protections are in place in North Dakota and at the federal level to prevent discrimination against pregnant workers. But advocates say these women …

About 1 in 44 children has been identified as being on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ND's Autism Task Force Seeks Input

North Dakota has a new survey online seeking information on how to better address the needs of people with autism. Right now, state officials admit …

Despite the recent end to federal abortion protections, several states that followed through with strict bans have seen them put on hold through court challenges. (Adobe Stock)

ND Supreme Court Hears Arguments Tied to Abortion Law

The legal fight over North Dakota's abortion ban continues, and oral arguments about one element of the case were heard by the state Supreme Court …

Policy analysts say mental health disparities among kids result from generations of discriminatory policies that create barriers to accessing health care and other economic opportunities for families of color. (Adobe Stock)

ND Child Well-Being Summary Highlights Mental Health Concerns

Despite its high ranking, an annual child well-being report said children of color in North Dakota are still being left behind. The findings also …

North Dakota was one of nearly a dozen states that had so-called trigger bans on abortions ready to take place in the event of federal protections being overturned. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Filed Against North Dakota's Abortion Ban

North Dakota's pending trigger law on abortions is being called unconstitutional in a new lawsuit. Separately, a handful of cities will see rallies …

According to the Commonwealth Fund, fewer than half of the country's rural counties have hospitals that provide obstetric care. (Adobe Stock)

Roe Fallout Could Put More Pressure on Rural Childbirth Care

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaboration Alre…

North Dakota's only abortion clinic is now planning to move out of state in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reverse Roe v. Wade. (Lexicon Images/Adobestock)

Progressive Groups Call on North Dakotans to Rethink Abortion Policy, Post-Roe

Pro-choice advocates are calling on voters to make access to abortion a big issue in the November midterm election. The countdown has begun; in less …

Researchers looking at disparities in children's well-being in North Dakota say the issues play out into adulthood. People of color with a bachelor's degree or higher earn $4 less in median hourly wage than their white peers. (Adobe Stock)

Report Examines Needs, Well-being of BIPOC Youth in ND

North Dakota is seeing more diversity within its youth population, but researchers say they face a tougher road in securing a brighter future…

Trade groups predict the U.S. could soon surpass the one million mark for the number of electric bikes sold annually. (Adobe Stock)

Kicking the Tires on Biking to Work

North Dakota has new laws in place to protect bicyclists, including those who ride electric bikes, and with gas prices still going up, one health …

Since 2016, North Dakota has recorded more than 2,100 Alzheimer's deaths, with women making up 70% of those cases. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Rising Cases, ND Creates Alzheimer's Dashboard

Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of death in North Dakota, prompting state officials to launch an online dashboard, where the public …

As teens and adolescents report feeling more stress and anxiety during the pandemic, those who feel supported in places such as schools were less likely to feel sad and hopeless, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ND Provider: Teen Mental-Health Needs Are Visible

As the school year winds down, mental-health providers say they recognize many students still feel the weight of the pandemic, and in North Dakota…

Those calling for health equity in North Dakota say there needs to be more of a human focus, such as addressing a patient's living environment, in establishing better outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Overcoming Social, Structural Barriers to Health Care in ND

National rankings found North Dakota's health care system does well in terms of overall performance, but access and affordability are problem areas…

Farm safety experts say such factors as a wet harvest season can lead to more accidents in places like grain bins, as the product can clog up equipment, putting workers in dangerous positions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Brings Farmer Safety Back to the Forefront

2022 will see a renewed focus on farmer safety in North Dakota. A key position has been filled to focus on education designed to reduce accidents and …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 430 people in the United States die each year from carbon-monoxide poisoning. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Push to Enhance Home Safety After Carbon-Monoxide Deaths

The recent deaths of a family of seven have renewed bipartisan attempts to keep homes safe from carbon monoxide. One North Dakota fire chief welcomes …

National studies have found that about one in every five emergency-room visits result in surprise medical bills. (Adobe Stock)

Landmark Medical Consumer Protection Law Takes Effect in 2022

Pictures of large medical bills are sometimes shared on social media to show how patients can be blindsided by unexpected costs for care, but as the …

Over the past decade, nearly 500 abortion restrictions have been enacted in various U.S. states. (Adobe Stock)

Abortion Access Issues Loom Large in ND

Despite changes to federal regulation, abortion access remains limited in North Dakota. It's a situation an expected ruling by the U.S. Supreme …

State health officials say there are an estimated 82,082 North Dakotans between ages 5 and 11. COVID vaccines for this group are expected in November. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lays Groundwork for Kids' COVID Vaccine Rollout

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The North Dakota Department of Health said, pending final federal approval, COVID-19 vaccinations for kids ages five to 11 could be …

Child-care advocates say if North Dakota doesn't boost funding for the system, more families might pull out of the workforce because of access issues. (Adobe Stock)

ND Leaders Urged to Think Big on Child-Care Spending

BISMARCK, N.D. - A portion of American Rescue Plan funding sent to North Dakota has yet to be divvied up. Groups that want to improve the child-care …

More than 133,000 North Dakotans are currently enrolled in Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

Kicking the Tires on Your Medicare Plan

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Older North Dakotans are being bombarded with reminders about Medicare enrollment. While it is tempting to block out some messaging…

During the pandemic, Community Health Centers in the U.S. reached 70,000 more elderly patients and a higher proportion of rural patients than they had before. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Centers Go Hyper-Local in Vaccination Outreach

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota's governor and health-care leaders want residents to take COVID-19 seriously to prevent the snowball effects of the …

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ND: Health