BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — In North Dakota, there's more than just a shortage in mental health services — there's a mental health care desert. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, about 30% of the state's population is under-served, meaning there is fewer than one provider for every 30,000 North Dakotans. However, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) looks to be this state's oasis through the Behavioral Health and Children and Family Services Conference. "The conference that we're hosting this week is very valuable for our professionals in North Dakota," says HHS Addiction and Prevention Program Manager James Knopik, "because that will translate to our professionals in the behavioral health professions and child welfare providing the best possible services." With over a thousand health professionals in attendance from across the state, the three-day conference looks to advance the quality and quantity of mental health services in North Dakota. From national speakers presenting on breaking barriers in health services to exhibitions that allow different service providers to connect, the conference's resounding sentiment is that there is hope for patients and providers alike. Pursuit Church provides more than hope at Day of Hope "We've heard firsthand how some of the things that they're learning this week are things that they'll be able to take into their practice and implement with children, families, or individuals with behavioral health conditions," says Knopik. There are also breakout rooms for providers to have real conversations about ways to improve service, especially for those who are underserved culturally, geographically, and beyond. "It's an opportunity for professionals in the state who are working in behavioral health professions and child welfare positions to come learn," Knopik adds. The event features a virtual option, so attendees who are unable to make the hike to the Bismarck Event Center can still tune in and learn cutting-edge, evidence-based practices for their services. And for those who have personally gone through the health care system, attendees can provide their stories on recovery and hope. "I've been sober for five years now," says West Central Human Service Center team member Chad Smith, "and I've been in recovery for that long. And it's been really great. My life has completely changed. It's just turned around. And now I get to help others that are struggling, and are in the position that I was at one time." Smith believes that through his lived experience, he has made a change not only for himself, but for others. "When I was in treatment," he recalls, "I kinda saw the importance of sharing my mental health battles with them. People don't really like to talk about mental health all the time, so once I started to get that out there, I noticed, well, yeah, everybody does want to. They're just a little afraid to feel alone on that journey. So, once I started talking to them about it, it really kinda changed everything." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW