97. Checking In: North Dakota’s Behavioral Health Shake-Up

In this episode of Stepping In It, we head north to check in on the bold system changes underway in North Dakota. From a $300 million investment in a new state hospital to expanding pediatric and acute care beds across the state, it’s clear the momentum is building. Governor Armstrong has declared behavioral health a statewide priority—backed by creative partnerships, smart policy, and a vision to become the healthiest state in the nation once again. We hear from longtime senator Tim Mathern, dive into the state’s behavioral health data, and explore how foundations, insurers, and public agencies are working together to redefine how we measure and support community wellness. Oh, and yes—there’s a whiny farmer, some unexpected yoga mats, and a few gift cards along the way.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover effective strategies for navigating behavioral health systems to better support your clients' needs.
• Learn how to improve access to behavioral health services in rural areas, making a positive impact in underserved communities.
• Overcome the challenges of rural health travel and find innovative solutions to ensure individuals can access the care they need.
• Explore the impact of VRBO on rural travel and its potential influence on behavioral health access in remote areas.
• Gain insights into developing state behavioral health plans that address the unique needs of diverse populations, fostering more inclusive support systems.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introducing the Stepping in It Podcast
00:00:15 - Navigating Behavioral Health Challenges
00:00:44 - Jason's Rural Travel Adventures
00:06:18 - Governor Armstrong's Advocacy for Behavioral Health
00:10:18 - Progress in North Dakota's Behavioral Health Initiatives
00:12:10 - Challenges with the State Hospital
00:13:37 - Challenges of Moving the State Hospital
00:14:50 - Impact of Term Limits
00:16:23 - North Dakota's Health Initiative
00:20:30 - Utilizing Data for Improvement
00:23:49 - Reconnecting Communities and Behavioral Health
00:24:07 - State Health Improvement Plan
00:25:35 - Advocating for Community Safety
00:28:46 - Importance of Civic Engagement 

Links:

• https://www.hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/data
• https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/BH/Data/SU%20and%20MI%20Adult%202023%20-WEB.pdf
• https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/BH/Data/2025%20BH%20DataBook.pdf

Connect with us: 

https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ 

https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners

https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xd3vnSxK6tA