The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division has awarded a $1.6 million contract to the Heartview Foundation to establish licensed residential substance use disorder treatment services in Dickinson for adults with substance use disorders.
“We are excited about this new opportunity to expand access to vital treatment services,” said Behavioral Health Division Director Pamela Sagness. “Residents in the southwest region of North Dakota will soon have expanded access to addiction treatment services reducing their need to travel far from home and creating opportunities for family support.”
As part of the contract, the Heartview Foundation will develop a 16-bed residential treatment program for adults with substance use disorders that provides short-term services that are individualized and based on best practices. Outpatient substance use disorders treatment services will also be offered. Officials expect the new program to be operational in spring 2023.
“Heartview Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to expand our services to the Dickinson community. We look forward to working with the stakeholders and providers of that region to help fill some of the gaps in substance use disorder services,” said Executive Director Kurt Snyder. “Opening a 16-bed residential unit will be a first step to developing broader services in the years to come that are vitally needed for the health and welfare of the Dickinson region.”
During the 2019 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers appropriated $2 million to the department to establish up to two new residential substance abuse treatment programs. During the Legislature’s special session in November 2021, lawmakers appropriated an additional $3 million to establish four total residential substance abuse treatment programs in the state.
The division plans to issue another request for proposal in the coming weeks for the remaining $3.4 million to support expanded access to treatment services. To be eligible to apply for the one-time funding, a treatment program must operate 16 beds or less and be located in a rural and underserved area of the state.
“By providing opportunities for treatment throughout the state, we are increasing the chances of success,” said Rep. Jon Nelson. “I hope to see more programs apply during the next round of grants expanding services into additional rural areas of North Dakota.”
The department’s Behavioral Health Division is responsible for reviewing and identifying service needs and activities in the state's behavioral health system to ensure health and safety, access to services and quality services. It also establishes quality assurance standards for the licensure of substance use disorder program services and facilities and provides policy leadership in partnership with public and private entities. Learn more about the work of the division at behavioralhealth.nd.gov.