BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The public comment period is open for grants the state will use to support preventive and primary health care services for women and children. Federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant funds come from a federal-state partnership to address the state' s needs, which are identified through a needs assessment. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) recently completed its five-year needs assessment to identify its priorities for the maternal and child health population. New activities for the priorities will begin Oct. 1, 2025, and run until Sept. 30, 2030. HHS is inviting the public to comment on the priorities now through April 4. Williams County to give out $80,000 in tourism grants The following priorities were identified: Identify, reduce or eliminate barriers preventing women from receiving recommended postpartum care, including but not limited to mental health screening, breastfeeding support, care coordination and other support; Use statewide resources to educate about and implement infant safe sleep best practices; Expand partnerships with existing community resources (schools, food banks, local public health units, etc.) to improve access to healthy food options; Improve care coordination to link the pediatric population to essential services and resources; Identify, reduce or eliminate barriers preventing adolescents from receiving mental health treatment and counseling; Improve the system of care for children with special health care needs. For more details on the draft priorities, visit the HHS website. Copies will also be provided upon request. You can provide public comment by April 3, 2025, by email to krhruby@nd.gov, by phone to (701) 328-4854, 711 (TTY), or by mail to North Dakota Health and Human Services - Public Health Division, Attn: Kimberly Hruby, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, N.D., 58505-0250. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less