Share the Health E-News & Updates

4/6/2026

Upcoming Events

April 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

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

Olmstead Newsletter April 2026

The DD Council is asking for input from families who self direct for services. Please complete the survey at https://forms.gle/CMrCHYsVrdetbrM88

Starting April 2, 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

Growing Up Deaf" virtual event on Wednesday, April 8^th from 6:30 to 7:30 CT or 5:30 to 6:30 MT featuring Katherine Tanner who is hard of hearing and grew up in a small North Dakota town. To register Please e-mail your name, preferred e-mail address to receive the link, and phone number to ashley.martin@k12.nd.us.

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

Expecting your first baby in 2026? The course addresses: preparing for and adjusting to parenthood; managing expectations; communication between parents; attachment and bonding; positive childrearing skills and more. This is a two-part class. April 9^th online, to register: Winter 2026 Class Registration

Free training: April 12, 2018 6:30 PM at The Arc, Upper Valley. Extended School Year vs. Summer School: Presented by Dr. Tricia Lee, Special Education Director, and Midge Thompson, MS Ed., of Grand Forks Public Schools. Follow the link for details. http://www.thearcuppervalley.com/parent-education-flyer.pdf

April 13 at 1 pm- Tribal & State Relations Committee

Creative Art Studio Art class on April 13th at 1pm and 2pm at the Arc of Cass County office. To register contact Caitlin@arccassnd.org

Parenting the Love and Logic Way® April 13^th,This class focuses on teaching children of all ages the skills of empathy, respect, and limit setting. 6-7:30 pm, to register: Parenting the Love and Logic Way® | NDSU Agriculture

April 13-14, 2026 - Online Parents Forever™ Parents Forever is a family transition program for parents as they continue to parent together through a divorce or separation, parents who are divorced and experiencing challenges with co-parenting, and for never-married parents when they decide to parent apart. To register: Welcome to the NDSU Agriculture & University Extension Store!. Parents Forever

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 at 9 am- DPI Advisory Board - Secondary Transition Meeting

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

April 15 at 1:30 pm- NDBIN Webinar: Trauma and Brain Injury for Peer Support Specialists

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

Families of Children with Unique Needs will host Hannah Papenfuss at the April Support Group. April 16^th from 6:30-7:30 at 3244 51^st St S in Fargo. To register go to: https://forms.office.com/r/rJStva7Gev

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

April 22 at 1 pm- Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

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

Apr. 23 at 3:30 pm- Unmasking Brain Injury Event (Bismarck)

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. 27 at 1 pm- State Board of Public School Education Meeting

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

Apr. 28 at 6:30 pm- The Arc Upper Valley Family and Caregiver Support Group

INAUGURAL GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK HEALTHCARE CONVENING! WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026 | 10AM-2:30PM Hosted at United Way of Cass-Clay | Fargo, ND FREE to attend – Register HERE

Apr. 29 at 1:30 pm- NDBIN Webinar: Disability and SSI

Understanding Disabilities presentation in April, “Hospice: a Comforting Presence” presented by Julie Knauss of HIA Hospice Tues., April 29, 2026 1:30-2:30 p.m. CT In person at DCIL or by Zoom. For more information call: 701.222.3636

April 30 at 1 pm- Caregiver Navigation Innovations and Strategies

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

Upcoming Events

May 2026

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

MAY – 2026

4 Bismarck Peds Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

5 Fargo Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic

6 Bismarck Asthma Clinic

6 Fargo Neurodevelopmental

7 Grand Forks Autism Clinic

12 Fargo Pediatric Dev. Evaluation

13 Fargo Neurodevelopmental

13 Bismarck Asthma Clinic

15 Fargo Immunodeficiency Clinic

22 Fargo Pediatric Dev. Evaluation

27 Fargo Down Syndrome Clinic

28 Fargo Metabolic Clinic

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

16th Annual Great Plains Rare Disease Summit! May 7–8, 2026 Poster presentations available! Sanford Center in Sioux Falls. Rare Diseases of Skeletal System and Craniofacial Development. Register today: https://bit.ly/4szCxHa

Ken's Flower Shop, Mental Health America of North Dakota, and the ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health are hosting the "Bloomin Light Out of the Darkness" Gala on May 21st from 5:30 PM-9:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. Tickets are available at https://donorbox.org/events/912934

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, 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=>.

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

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

Pediatric Mental Health - Project ECHO

Behavioral Health Trainings | Health and Human Services North Dakota

IMPCCT advisory council surveys Student Survey About College – Fill out form- for middle and high school students with IDD to fill out independently or with help from their parents or teacher

Parent/Guardian Survey About College – Fill out form – For parents to fill out on their young adult with IDD

Professional Survey About College for Young Adults with IDD – Fill out form – For middle and high school teachers of students with IDD

Federal News You Can Use Updated Weekly

5 Key Facts About Children with Special Health Care Needs and Medicaid

Understanding Parent Perspectives of Preemptive Intervention for Toddler Siblings of Autistic Children

Behavioral Health and Caregiving Resource Guide - Family Caregiving

From Families USA https://familiesusa.org/press-releases/new-aca-enrollment-data-shows-result-of-presidential-and-congressional-actions-1-2m-fewer-americans-covered-premium-increases-many-more-in-high-deductible-plans/

Pediatric Disaster Champion Resource-As part of efforts to strengthen pediatric disaster preparedness, Region V for Kids and the EMSC Program have released the Pediatric Disaster Champion Resource, a companion guide to the Checklist of Essential Pediatric Considerations for Every Hospital’s Disaster Policies. This resource helps pediatric champions and disaster planning teams better understand children’s unique needs during disasters and identify training and tools to support pediatric-inclusive preparedness. The guide can be integrated into training, preparedness planning, and workforce development efforts. Learn more.

Making Medical Procedures Easier to Understand for People with Autism- Autism Friendly Social Stories

5 Key facts about Medicaid coverage for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) KFF

SAVE The DATES:

Save the Date! 2026 Children & Families Wellness Fair Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights 3150 Sheyenne St, West Fargo, ND

The annual Summer Camp sponsored by the North Dakota School for the Deaf/Resource Center will be held June 15 to 19^th at Triangle YMCA near Garrison. Registration coming soon

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

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), Office of Indian/Multicultural Education, and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission are pleased to announce the 12th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit (NDIES). This two full-day event will be held July 28-29, at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck, ND.

Save the Date: Caring for the Caregiver - Caregiver Summit August 20, 2026 9am to 4:30 pm. Join us for a day filled with valuable insights and resources for caregivers

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

Parenting the Love and Logic Way­­® ﻿April 13th,This class focuses on teaching children of all ages the skills of empathy, respect, and limit setting. 6-7:30 pm, to register: Parenting the Love and Logic Way­­® | NDSU Agriculture

Making Medical Procedures Easier to Understand for People with Autism- Autism Friendly Social Stories

Save the Date! 2026 Children & Families Wellness Fair Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights 3150 Sheyenne St, West Fargo, ND

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

Parenting the Love and Logic Way® April 13^th,This class focuses on teaching children of all ages the skills of empathy, respect, and limit setting. 6-7:30 pm, to register: Parenting the Love and Logic Way® | NDSU Agriculture