North Dakota is taking a major step to combat suicide in rural areas. A new initiative aims to improve follow-up care and address gaps in support after someone is at risk for suicide. This comes from the North Dakota Suicide Fatality Review Commission’s recommendations and is tied to the Zero Suicide strategy, which focuses on prevention across both rural and tribal health systems.
The program’s goal is to help healthcare providers implement standardized screenings for suicide risk, enhance follow-up care for those who have attempted suicide, and improve referrals to mental health services.
North Dakota Health and Human Services Commissioner Patrick Traynor said, “This is about turning knowledge into consistent action in our health system. In many rural areas, healthcare is often the main point of contact. We must make sure we don’t miss these chances to help.”
This initiative launches during Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the ongoing mental health crises facing many North Dakotans—from students to farmers.
Funding for this program totals around $400,000 in the first year. It’s part of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to improve health outcomes over the next five years. Eligible applicants for this funding include nonprofits, educational institutions, and various healthcare providers.
The chosen organization will collaborate statewide to help implement suicide prevention strategies, train healthcare staff, and ensure patients receive the care and follow-up they need.
Why This Matters Now
The urgency of this initiative is stark. Research indicates that nearly half of those who die by suicide have seen a healthcare provider in the month before their death. In many rural communities, a clinic or emergency room may be the only place someone seeks help during a mental health crisis.
In 2025, North Dakota recorded 164 suicide deaths—over three each week. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows about 5.4% of adults in North Dakota reported serious suicidal thoughts in 2023-24, which is close to the national average of 5.5%. The adolescent population is also affected, as shown in the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey:
- 17.5% of high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year—approximately 5,500 students.
- 7.4% attempted suicide—around 2,300 students.
While North Dakota’s suicide attempt rate among high schoolers is slightly lower than the national average, it still represents a significant number of young lives at risk.
Traynor emphasizes the role of trusted adults in reducing these numbers. “Youth with supportive adults are less likely to contemplate or attempt suicide. We all need to step up,” he said.
Melissa Markegard, the HHS Suicide Prevention Administrator, noted that this initiative focuses on learning from past cases to avoid repeating mistakes. By putting these strategies into action, we can identify and support those in need much earlier, preventing tragic outcomes.
This effort is aligned with the Zero Suicide framework, which underscores the collective responsibility of health systems to identify and manage suicide risks.
Support Resources
Building strong, supportive relationships can be a powerful safeguard against suicide. It’s vital to connect with friends, family, and community members—especially young people—by listening and offering support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, help is available 24/7. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is confidential and free.
The Rural Health Transformation Program is backed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, with a focus on improving health outcomes in rural areas.
For more information on mental health resources, you can visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at SAMHSA.
