North Dakota secures more than $6.4 million in federal grants for opioid treatment medical research and suicide prevention
Grand Forks, North Dakota – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced more than $6.4 million in federal funding for programs across North Dakota that will support opioid response efforts, biomedical research, mental health services, and suicide prevention initiatives.
In total, $6,444,244 has been awarded to four organizations and programs throughout the state, with the largest share dedicated to strengthening North Dakota’s response to the opioid crisis.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services received $4,043,996 through the North Dakota State Opioid Response Grant. The funding will help continue statewide efforts to address opioid misuse, improve treatment services, and support programs aimed at reducing the impact of opioid addiction. The grant is a continuation award covering the budget period from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2027, as part of a larger project that began in 2024.
Funding supports research treatment and suicide prevention
Another major award went to North Dakota State University, which received $1,778,045 for biomedical research and research training. The funding supports the university’s Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies in Pancreatic Cancer, an ongoing research project led by Dr. Jagdish Singh. The grant continues work that began in 2016 and will support research activities through June 30, 2027.
In Fargo, Sanford Medical Center was awarded $375,000 for its Bridging the Gap Expanding Access to SUD Treatment program. The funding will help expand access to treatment for substance use disorder while also improving mental health services for people across North Dakota. The continuation grant supports the project through the budget period ending September 29, 2027.
The Spirit Lake Tribe also received $247,203 to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and improve access to mental health services through its Spirit Lake Suicide Prevention program. The grant will support continued services from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2027, as part of a project scheduled to continue through 2028.
Federal officials said the awards reflect HHS’s continued investment in improving public health, supporting scientific research, expanding behavioral health services, and strengthening community-based programs across North Dakota. Together, the grants will help improve treatment opportunities, advance medical discoveries, and provide additional mental health resources for residents throughout the state.
