N.D. Department of Human Services Announces the North Dakota Behavioral Health Vision 20/20 Survey and Website

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division today announced the Behavioral Health Vision 20/20 survey and website. The goal of this effort is to realize North Dakota’s vision of a good, modern and equitable behavioral health system.

“North Dakota is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the behavioral health needs in our state by investing in community-based services and supports. By focusing on supports for housing, employment, education and peer support, we will improve outcomes and provide for savings by avoiding expensive emergency and psychiatric inpatient care. These investments will also help to develop the state’s work force and expand access to behavioral health supports in rural areas,” said Gov. Doug Burgum.

In April 2018, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division released the North Dakota Behavioral Health System Study - an evaluation of the capacity of the state’s behavioral health system to prevent and respond to behavioral health challenges and promote the well-being of North Dakotans. The report, written by Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), identified a shortage of prevention and early intervention services and an overreliance on residential and inpatient services. It serves as a component of the legislative committee studies during the 2017-2019 interim.

“The report points to a number of areas where the state is moving in the right direction, while also providing recommendations that can be implemented as we transform behavioral health services in the state,” said Behavioral Health Division Director Pamela Sagness.

As part of the continued implementation of this work, the Behavioral Health Division, in partnership with HSRI, is announcing the launch of a project website to support public input in the process: www.hsri.org/NDvision-2020.