Share the Health E-News & Updates

3/16/2026

Upcoming Events

March 2026

Special Health Services Multidisciplinary Clinic Program; Phone: 701.328.2436; Toll Free: 800.755.2714

Special Health Services' sponsored or supported multidisciplinary clinics are intended to provide access to pediatric specialty care and enable families to see many different medical providers and health care professionals in one place at one time. For more information about multidisciplinary clinics available in North Dakota, this resource directory includes clinic dates, local contacts, and sites

MARCH – 2026

3 Fargo Peds Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

4 Bismarck Asthma Clinic

4 Fargo Neurodevelopmental

10 Fargo Pediatric Dev. Evaluation

11 Fargo Neurodevelopmental

20 Fargo Immunodeficiency Clinic

18 Bismarck Asthma Clinic

25 Fargo Down Syndrome Clinic

26 Grand Forks Autism Clinic

27 Fargo Pediatric Dev. Evaluation

30 Fargo Myelodysplasia Clinic

31 Bismarck Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is beginning to work on the next State Plan for Independent Living. As part of this process, SILC is conducting a statewide Needs Assessment to better understand the issues impacting consumers, their families, friends, and service partners. Consumers can share input here. Family, friends, and providers can share input here. Input must be submitted by March 30, 2026

Voices of Impact - Inside the Lives of North Dakota’s Developmental Disabilities Program Managers | Health and Human Services North Dakota

NDCPD Collaboration for Change Webinar Series, taking place on Thursdays from March 26 to April 23, 2026, from Noon to 1:00 PM CST. Register now: www.NDCPD.org/webinar-series

UND is excited to welcome Mr. Chris Ruden to the University of North Dakota as our featured guest speaker for Disability Awareness Day 2026. Monday, March 16, 2026 Speaker Session: 12:00–1:15 p.m. UND Memorial Union Ballroom (C/D)

Mar. 17 at 12 pm- Early Identification, Intervention & Access to Children’s Mental Health Services

Suicide Risk Assessment- Virtual March 17^th @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Free; Suicide Risk Assessment- Virtual March 17th | FirstLink

Mar. 18 at 1 pm- Budget Section - Leadership Division

Mar. 18 at 12:30 pm- Admin Rules Hearing - HHS Substance Use Disorder Treatment Voucher

Mar. 18 at 1 pm- Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group

Mar. 18- 10 am- Budget Section

Mar. 18- 1 pm; Budget Section - Regulatory Division

Mar. 18- 1 pm; Budget Section - Human Resources Division

Mar. 19 at 10 am- Child Care Services Advisory Committee & Early Childhood Services Advisory Board Meeting; 2026 Schedule

Mar. 19-10 am; Government Finance - Transportation Study Subcommittee

Mar. 19- 1 pm; Government Finance Committee

Mar. 19 - 11 am; 1 pm -ND Assistive Open House: Devices for Hearing Loss

Mar. 19 at 7:30 pm- Family Voices ND - Able Accounts

Mar. 23, June 3, Sept. 23, Dec. 15 | 1 pm- ND DOJ Stakeholder Meetings; 2026 Schedule

Mar. 23, June 23, Sept. 22, Dec. 10- 10:30 am; Lifespan Respite Care Coalition 2026 Schedule

Mar. 23 at 10:30 am; Lifespan Respite Care Coalition Meeting- 2026 Schedule

Mar. 23 at 1 pm; State Board of Public School Education Meeting

Mar. 23 at 1 pm; ND DOJ Stakeholder Meeting- 2026 Schedule

Dakota Center for Independent Living Understanding Disabilities presentation in March, “Communicating effectively with people experiencing dementia” Tues., March 24, 2026 1:30-2:30 p.m. CT In person at DCIL or by Zoom (link will be sent closer to presentation)

The North Dakota Safe Kids Coalitions are excited to invite you to the ND Childhood Injury Prevention Virtual Workshop! Date: Wednesday, March 25 Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Location: Online Cost: Free and open to all interested participants; Register here: https://form.jotform.com/251603909698166

Mar. 26 at 1 pm; Cross Disability Advisory Council Meeting

Mar. 26, 12 pm- NDCPD Collaboration for Change Webinar Series

safeTALK 3/26/26 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

AmericaInn by Wyndham Valley City Conference Center 280 Winter Show Rd SW, Valley City. To register: safeTALK 3/26/26 | FirstLink

North Dakota Council for Exceptional Children Conference Wednesday March 25^th to March 27^th at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck; for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1368543141354766/?active_tab=discussion

Parent Cafés are uplifting opportunities for parents and caregivers to talk about the challenges and joys of raising children. Through informal discussion, participants consider their strengths, learn about factors that promote well-being, and create strategies to help strengthen their families. March 25 & April 29 12:00-1:00 pm CST ZOOM ONLINE; Parent Cafés | NDSU Agriculture

Mar 26 & 27 Mind Matters Conference

The next ALL Meeting (Advocates Leading Their Lives) on March 27 at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. Starting at 3 pm; Register here: https://forms.gle/kK6Gm1gdNdFejEQN6

Mar. 30 at 9 am- ND Interagency Council on Homelessness

Upcoming Events

April 2026

Special Health Services Multidisciplinary Clinic Program; Phone: 701.328.2436; Toll Free: 800.755.2714

APRIL – 2026

1 Fargo Neurodevelopmental

1 Bismarck Asthma Clinic

1 Grand Forks Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic

2 Grand Forks Autism Clinic

2 Minot Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic

7 Fargo Peds Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

7 Fargo Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic

8 Fargo Neurodevelopmental

14 Fargo Pediatric Dev. Evaluation

15 Bismarck Asthma Clinic

17 Fargo Immunodeficiency Clinic

22 Fargo Down Syndrome Clinic

24 Fargo Pediatric Dev. Evaluation

28 Fargo Peds Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

April is Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month and Families Flourish ND is hosting our 3rd Annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Virtual Series! Meeting Registration - Zoom

Apr. 2, 9, 16 & 23; 12 pm- NDCPD Collaboration for Change Webinar Series

safeTALK- 4/6/26 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Free at Hilton Garden Inn 4301 James Ray Dr

Grand Forks. s afeTALK- 4/6/26 | FirstLink

Apr. 7 at 12 pm- Understanding Family Systems in Care for Adults and Children with Mental Health

2026 North Dakota Symposium on Adults, Aging and Disabilities, hosted by the Adult and Aging Services Division. The symposium will take place April 7–8, 2026, at Bismarck State College’s Bavendick Stateroom in Bismarck, North Dakota.https://2026-ND-Symposium-On-Aging.eventbrite.com

Apr. 8 at 1 pm- Olmstead Commission Advisory Council Meeting

Apr. 9 at 12 pm- Early Identification, Intervention and Access to Children’s Mental Health Services

Cass and Clay County Suicide Prevention, 3^rd Annual Suicide Summit April 14, 2026 at the Avalon Center. To register: Cass Clay Counties Suicide Prevention Summit Registration

Apr. 15, July 15, Oct. 21, Dec. 16 at10 am- Behavioral Health Planning Council: 2026 Schedule

Apr. 16 at 9 am- Cross Disability Advisory Council Meeting (accepting public comment)

Apr. 16 at 10 am- Child Care Services Advisory Committee & Early Childhood Services Advisory Board Meeting- 2026 Schedule

What Happens When You Call 988 – Virtual April 16^th @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Free; What Happens When You Call 988 - Virtual April 16th | FirstLink

Navigating Disability Services - Autism Acceptance hosted by YESS/ Monday, April 20 I 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Dream Center Bismarck – 1805 Park Ave

Newborn Screen Conference April 22, 2026. Bismarck State College

National Energy Center of Excellence Building. Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/newborn-screening/conference. To register: 2026 Newborn Screening Conference Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 22 from 8 am to 4:30 pm | Eventbrite

Family Bingo Night- in recognition of Prevent Child Abuse Month. April 23^rd from 5-7pm in Valley City at the Hi liner Activity Center. For more information contact Kelsey Pritchert Phone: 701-845-8521. A free meal will be offered by the Valley City Kiwanas

safeTALK 4/24/26 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Free, Leach Public Library 417 2 Ave N Wahpeton, safeTALK 4/24/26 | FirstLink

Apr. 28 at 9 am- Secondary Transition Fair (Fargo)

North Dakota is excited to host Hands and Voices national presenters Fun, Understanding and Networking. April 30^th and May 1^st in Devils Lake. For more information contact: Nicole Swartwout at Phone: 701.857-8681, E-mail: Nicole.Swartwout@k12.nd.us

Top News and Info for the Week

Have an event you would like to add? Let us know at fvnd@drtel.net

One in every five households in North Dakota as a child with special health care needs. Many of these families are left to find answers on their own, have difficulty locating resources, or have not spoken to other families of a child with the same diagnosis. We need your support to meet the increasing demand for help from families living with disabilities and chronic health illnesses. The need for our services and support is rapidly increasing. You can help, please go to the following website to see what you can do to assist FVND: www.fvnd.org

Donate now at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/252

Family Voices of ND video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4rgB1NFfyU

NDAD's Autism Spectrum Assistance Program (ASAP) assists children and adults with autism with medical travel expenses, respite services and equipment when no other payment option is available through local, state or federal programs. Qualifying individuals receive mileage assistance for out-of-town medical travel for appointments including occupational and physical therapy, speech language pathology and behavioral therapy as well as psychiatric appointments. NDAD may also help with respite care expenses and various pieces of equipment that may be helpful for those with autism. You must complete an application and qualify based on NDAD guidelines. Visit ndad.org for an application or contact one of our six office locations: Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston.

The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC- https://www.hhs.nd.gov/early-childhood-services/early-intervention/interagency-coord-council) is looking for parents to join. Please see website if you are interested

The NDDPI’s Office of Specially Designed Instruction, has launched the Paraprofessional Training Project to support professional growth for certified Special Education (SPED) Paraprofessionals. Through this initiative, certified Special Education Paraprofessionals can receive compensation for completing up to three courses from the Paraprofessional Training Project Catalog. While designed to enhance existing district trainings, these courses are not intended to replace the areas of preparation needed to earn the Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate and are open to all learners interested in building their skills. Click here for Course Listings and here for the Course Reimbursement Application Form.

Need to travel for medical care? NDAD can help. NDAD offers financial assistance for out-of-town medical travel and lodging to eligible individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Whether you're driving to a specialist or staying overnight for treatment, NDAD may help cover mileage and hotel costs when no other funding options are available. To learn more or apply, contact your nearest NDAD office or visit https://ndad.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ndad.org_&d=DwMF-g&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=C7PQFotqrZVN7lCl7U4qdg&m=qR5WHqYbO4kygH9wr0OOJdq37obOkn3824Mszpu8wUC_1kblbtvex4oPV-4kurUg&s=1LLCCP2yPnnacSIDiwfw_t2tcsh9Ii9OoC3_8H96E24&e=>.

Olmstead Commission Annual Report- 2025 Olmstead Annual Report

ND Children’s Cabinet: Recruiting an individual to serve as a parent member

The North Dakota's Children's Cabinet was created in 2019 by Senate Bill No. 2313 to assess, guide and coordinate care for children across North Dakota branches of government and tribal nations. The 15-member cabinet members include legislators and representatives from various state agencies, the Governor's Office, the North Dakota Supreme Court and tribal nations. Other members appointed by the governor include parents, private service providers and other community partners. The Cabinet is recruiting a parent member apply here.

HHS seeks public input on Medicaid waiver to expand access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities- HHS seeks public input on Medicaid waiver to expand access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities | Health and Human Services North Dakota

HHS seeks public comment on five-year renewal of state’s Medicaid waiver for medically fragile children- HHS seeks public comment on five-year renewal of state’s Medicaid waiver for medically fragile children | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Heating assistance is available to keep North Dakotans warm throughout the winter | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Public comment period opens for North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities proposed five-year state plan | Health and Human Services North Dakota

The PMHCA program provides trainings to improve access to care for pediatric patients with mental health conditions in rural and underserved communities throughout North Dakota. The focus of this program is to build and strengthen capacity of best practice care among primary care and other providers supporting patients with these disorders 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month

12 p.m. - 1 p.m. CT; Upcoming Pediatric Mental Health TeleECHO Clinics - Project ECHO

North Dakota HHS: Rural Health Transformation -On Feb. 25, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved $194,807,869.55 for North Dakota’s year-one Rural Health Transformation Program budget.

Federal News You Can Use Updated Weekly

US Pediatric Hospitalizations Among Children Enrolled in Medicaid | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network

Variability in Insurance Adequacy for Children With Special Health Care Needs on Medicaid | Health Policy | JAMA Health Forum | JAMA Network

2026 DD Awareness Month: We’re Here: Then, Now, Always. – NACDD

Special Ed Enrollment Tops 8 Million Nationwide - Disability Scoop

Based on recent conversations around caregiving, Family Voices would like to invite paid caregivers to share their stories. This opportunity is specific to those who have or are currently receiving Medicaid funds to provide caregiving services. This opportunity is in partnership with Caring Across Generations. If you are a caregiver of CYSCHN, please select yes in the survey. If you are a paid caregiver of another population, please select no.

Please submit responses by Friday, March 20. If you have any questions, contact Wesley Wei, wwei@familyvoices.org

Survey: Physical Activity and Nutrition Among Family Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Binghampton University is conducting a project that explores how family members who care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities take care of their own health. Please see this flyer for the full information.

Parents and Families Workshop Series - The Stress of Caring for a Child with a Disability: Strategies for Stress Reduction Meeting Registration - Zoom

SAVE The DATES:

The 2026 Public Health Conference, taking place May 5–7 at Bismarck State College

FM Special Needs Support Network- Family Fun Community Walk; 3601 11^th St N, Moorhead MN 56560; Saturday June 27, 2026 9:30 am- 12:00 pm

Save the Date: Join us for the 6th annual Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference

Sept. 14–17, 2026 at the Bismarck Event Center (In Person and Virtual)

Save the Date: Oct 2-4th Parent Leadership Institute hosted by Family Voices of ND

Have an event that you want to add? Let us know at fvnd@drtel.net