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February 24, 2026 by centralv 0 Comments

Free suicide prevention webinars to be held in March and April

Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of the upcoming “Question. Persuade. Refer.” suicide prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. Two sessions are scheduled: March 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and April 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

“Ongoing farm and ranch stress takes a toll on health, including mental and emotional well-being,” says Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension family science specialist. “We say, ‘Sometimes you need help, and sometimes you are help.’”

NDSU Extension agents Katie Henry (Cavalier County) and Jill Sokness (Cass County), as well as Madeleine Smith, NDSU Extension pesticide specialist, will facilitate the webinars.

Although the training will focus on people working in and around agriculture, anyone interested in the topic can register. There is no cost for the training, which is supported by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

Registration is limited to the first 30 participants per webinar. Register at ndsu.ag/QPR-NDSU-Mar2026 for the March session and ndsu.ag/QPR-NDSU-Apr2026 for the April session.

For additional information, contact Adriana Drusini at adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu or Sean Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu .

News Release

February 12, 2026 by centralv 0 Comments

One case of measles reported in Pembina County; brings 2026 cases to two in North Dakota

VIEW THIS RELEASE ONLINE: hhs.nd.gov

BISMARCK, ND (FEBRUARY 12, 2026) – The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed case of measles in Pembina County. This is the second measles case reported in North Dakota in 2026 and the first from Pembina County.

The individual was unvaccinated and likely acquired the infection within the state. HHS is continuing its investigation to determine the source of exposure, as the individual reported no recent out-of-state or international travel. This case is not linked to the previously reported case in Williams County.

HHS, in coordination with Pembina County Public Health, is identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed.

Public Exposure Locations

Members of the public who were present at the following Pembina County and Grand Forks County locations on these dates and at these times may have been exposed.

Charras and Tequila Mexican Cuisine, 3915 32nd Ave. S. in Grand Forks on Feb. 4, between noon and 3 p.m. CT
Cavalier Public School gymnasium, 300 Main St. E. in Cavalier on Feb. 4, between 3:45-7 p.m. CT
Clinic Care waiting room, 301 Mountain St. E. in Cavalier on Feb. 6 between 8:30-11 a.m. CT

Exposed individuals are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop. Individuals who think they have measles should call first before seeking health care to avoid spreading measles to others. If not vaccinated, exposed individuals should quarantine (stay at home) for 21 days after the date of exposure.

Because the new case is not linked to other cases or travel, there is concern about potential community transmission. As a precaution, HHS recommends that all residents and travelers to Pembina County ensure they are vaccinated against measles.

HHS recommends:

Infants ages 6 through 11 months who reside in Pembina County consider an early dose of MMR vaccine. (Infants younger than 6 months are not eligible for vaccination.)
Children 12 months of age and older receive their first MMR dose if they have not already, followed by a second dose at least 28 days later.
Children who have received two doses of MMR after 12 months of age are considered fully vaccinated.
Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure.

Individuals can review their immunization records at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or by contacting their health provider. Vaccines are available through most clinics, and for families in need, the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers support through local providers.

“When measles appears in a community without a travel link, it signals that the virus may be spreading more broadly,” said Molly Howell, director of HHS Disease Control and Forensic Pathology. “The most effective protection we have is vaccination. When individuals are immunized against measles, they protect themselves and also infants and others who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.”

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can be serious, particularly for young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Measles spreads easily through the air and can remain in a room and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who is contagious leaves that space. Individuals with measles are contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear. Symptoms often include fever, cough, runny nose and eye irritation, followed by a widespread rash.

There is no specific medical treatment for measles, though antibiotics may be used when people with measles develop a secondary bacterial infection.

For more information about measles or immunizations, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701-328-2378, 711 (TTY) or visit hhs.nd.gov/measles

Health and Human Services provides services that help North Dakotans of all ages enhance their well-being and quality of life by supporting equitable access to the social determinants of health, which include economic stability, housing, education, food, community and behavioral and physical health. The combined agency employs about 2,800 team members who are based across the state.

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February 11, 2026 by centralv 0 Comments

Town Hall: Food Safety Q&A

Got questions about food safety? We’ve got answers!

CVHD’s Environmental Health Department is hosting a Food Safety Q&A Town Hall. Come chat with our experts, learn best practices, and get your questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, February 19

3:00-4:30PM

Join Meeting Online: https://bit.ly/45EHR2A

Submit Questions: https://bit.ly/4tfbXUo

EHNews Release

January 15, 2026 by centralv 0 Comments

VGB Act Compliance: What Public Aquatic Facilities Need to Know

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The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) is a federal law designed to prevent suction-entrapment injuries in public and semi-public pools and spas.

Drain covers prevent hair, limb, mechanical, or body entrapment. All public and semi public pools and spas must use drain covers that are ANSI/APSP-16 compliant. A missing, damaged, unmarked, or expired cover must be replaced immediately.

Drain covers list the service life, and aquatic facilities must replace covers when that time has lapsed. The service life begins on the installation date of the drain cover. Service life may vary. Aquatic facilities must maintain written records of installation dates, models, and replacement schedule.

When replacing a drain cover:

It must be compatible with the existing frame and sump.
It must have a flow rating equal to or higher than the system’s maximum flow.
It must be installed exactly according to manufacturer instructions.

Staying compliant with the VGB Act ensures the facility meets federal safety standards and most importantly protects swimmers from dangerous suction hazards.

What Facilities Should Do Now…

Inspect all suction outlets for proper markings and condition
Verify installation dates and replace expired covers
Reach out to a qualified professional for single drain pools and spas or when multiple drains are less than 3 feet apart.
- A secondary anti-entrapment system is required to be installed in the pool or spa when on a single main drain or there are multiple drains less than 3 feet apart.
Maintain VGB documentation
Schedule routine safety inspections

Improperly installing a drain cover or using the wrong drain cover makes even a certified drain cover non-complaint.

Links & Resources:

2025 VBG Compliance Letter from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission

News Release

January 15, 2026 by centralv 0 Comments

January is National Radon Action Month

BISMARCK, N.D. – During National Radon Action Month, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality reminds residents that cold weather months are a great time to test their homes for radon, a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Radon-related illness claims more than 21,000 lives in the United States annually. In North Dakota, 63 percent of homes have an elevated radon level above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Action Level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA lists North Dakota as Zone 1, meaning it has the highest potential for elevated radon levels. Because of this, the EPA and Environmental Quality encourage North Dakotans to test their homes for radon and address any elevated levels.

“Radon is a cancer-causing, naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste, found throughout the soil in North Dakota,” said Justin Otto, Radon Program Coordinator for Environmental Quality. “Although radon harmlessly disperses in outdoor air at low levels, when trapped in buildings, it can be harmful, especially at high concentrations.”

“Radon test kits are simple to use and come with easy-to-understand directions,” says Otto. Environmental Quality is giving away a limited number of free radon test kits to ND residents. If you would like to receive a free radon test kit in the mail, please visit deq.nd.gov/wm/radon and click on the button titled ‘Click here for a free radon test kit.’ After completing the required information, select ‘Request radon test kit.’ Kits will be mailed while supplies last. Test kits can also be purchased at most hardware stores, building supply stores, and online.

“The good news is radon mitigation systems can manage high radon levels,” said Otto. By installing a mitigation system, homeowners can effectively lower the level of radon in their homes. These systems use many conventional building materials and require few specialized tools to install. These systems may be installed by a homeowner or a radon mitigation contractor. Once in place, a properly installed system will reduce radon gas and safely vent it to the outside.

Visit deq.nd.gov/wm/radon for a list of radon mitigation contractors, information on how to test for radon, what radon results mean, and how to address elevated radon levels.

More info on radon: here

News Release

January 6, 2026 by centralv 0 Comments

Be Prepared this Season for Winter Weather!

Publication by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Winter storms and cold temperatures can create potentially dangerous conditions in and around your home, including some that can impact your indoor air quality. Extreme cold and icy conditions can lead to burst pipes. Heavy snow and ice can block furnace and other vents and pipes in your home that can cause buildup of harmful pollutants indoors, like carbon monoxide. Follow the tips and safety precautions below to prepare for potential severe winter weather.

Check Your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible and odorless gas which comes from a variety of combustion appliances, like gas stoves, ovens or barbeque grills. CO can build up quickly indoors and can linger for hours. At elevated levels, CO can quickly cause significant harm and even death.

Test smoke detectors and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries in these devices at least once each year, unless they have sealed 10-year batteries. Replace the smoke detector or CO alarm if it is more than 10 years old.

Check that smoke detectors are installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

Check that CO alarms are installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home to prevent CO poisoning.

Winter Tips for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

When used improperly, fuel-burning portable generators and other combustion devices can be sources of deadly CO. If your power goes out, safely provide power for lighting, cooking, and heating:

Do not use fuel-powered portable generators indoors (e.g., inside your home, garage, shed or similar enclosed areas). Generators should only be used outside and at least 20 feet away from buildings.

Do not try to heat your home by using combustion appliances including gas stoves or ovens, or barbeque grills.

Never operate any gas-burning heater or other appliance in a poorly vented or closed room, or where you are sleeping.

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality

News Release

October 30, 2025 by centralv 0 Comments

Armstrong directs state funds to ND food programs during shutdown, urges donations to food pantries

Governor directs $915,000 to Great Plains Food Bank, $600,000 to fund Women, Infants & Children program through November

Read Article Here

NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BISMARCK, N.D. (OCT. 30, 2025) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today announced he has directed more than $1.5 million in state funds to support food assistance programs during the ongoing federal government shutdown, while also urging North Dakota residents to consider donating food or money to their local food pantries to help meet the needs of those losing federal food assistance.

“The state of North Dakota has the responsibility and the resources to care for its citizens who face a sudden loss of federal food assistance through no fault of their own,” Armstrong said. “Through a combination of state contingency funds and private donations, North Dakota can help meet the nutritional needs of our children and families until Congress passes a temporary funding bill to reopen the federal government. We strongly encourage residents to open their hearts, wallets and food pantries to support their local food banks with cash or food donations and help their fellow North Dakotans in their time of need.”

Armstrong has directed the state Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide $915,000 in contingency funds to the Great Plains Food Bank, which supplies food and supports a network of nearly 200 partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens across the state.

Earlier this week, the Great Plains Food Bank launched an emergency fundraising campaign to source an additional 1 million pounds of food for statewide distribution – on top of the more than 1 million pounds per month it normally distributes even when SNAP is available. The $915,000 in state funds will allow the Great Plains Food Bank to purchase and distribute an additional 450,000 pounds of food in November, enough to assist approximately 24,000 households, said Kate Molbert, interim CEO and chief operating officer of Great Plains Food Bank.

“This allocation of state funds entrusted to our organization will help thousands of North Dakotans keep food on their tables,” Molbert said. “We appreciate Gov. Armstrong directing these state resources to equip the Great Plains Food Bank in our mission, and we’re thankful for everyone donating food and dollars to ensure that North Dakotans don’t go hungry during this government shutdown today or in the weeks and months ahead.”

Additionally, Armstrong has directed HHS to use contingency funds to support the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program through the month of November, at an estimated cost of roughly $600,000. Administered by the state, WIC protects the health of low-income women, infants and children up to age 5 by providing supplemental foods, nutrition education and health care referrals. Federal WIC funding for North Dakota is currently expected to run out around Nov. 10.

“Setting up children for success in life begins with proper nutrition at the earliest ages, and the state is pleased to do our part to ensure that infants, toddlers and their mothers have access to healthy food and helpful nutrition education and health care resources,” HHS Interim Commissioner Pat Traynor said.

Today’s announcement comes as more than 56,000 North Dakotans – about 28,000 households – are at risk of losing their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Nov. 1 when federal funding runs out. Of those households, 48% have a child under 18, 30% have school-age children and 26% include someone 60 or older. Current SNAP payments to eligible households in North Dakota total about $10 million per month.

Due to a lack of access to the program infrastructure, the state is unable to use state funding to backfill SNAP benefits. SNAP recipients with remaining balances after Oct. 31 will be able to use the benefits in November.

For more information about Great Plains Food Bank, including a map and list of its partner food pantries by county, visit https://greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/partner-food-pantries/. Information about WIC and other assistance programs is available on the HHS website and at www.ndresponse.gov.

Armstrong, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives as North Dakota’s lone congressman from 2018 to 2024, urged U.S. Senate Democrats to join their Republican counterparts in passing a clean continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government until Congress can approve budgets through the regular appropriations process.

“Major policy debates don’t get settled during a shutdown, and Democrats know this because they passed the same short-term funding extension 13 times during the Biden administration,” Armstrong said. “Senate Democrats need to stop holding the government hostage and pass a clean CR so Congress can get back to work and end this uncertainty for Americans who are just worried about putting food on the table for their children and families.”

News Release

October 13, 2025 by centralv 0 Comments

WIC program fully operational; veterans receiving disability, pension checks amid shutdown

WIC program fully operational; veterans receiving disability, pension checks amid shutdown

By Masaki Ova

JAMESTOWN — The North Dakota Women, Infants & Children Program is fully operational and veterans are still receiving disability and pension checks despite the federal government shutdown, according to officials with Central Valley Health District and the Stutsman County Veterans Service Office.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services has reported that its mandatory entitlement programs, including the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program, are expected to continue without disruption, said Jill Wald, director of WIC at the Central Valley Health District, in an email to The Jamestown Sun.

“As of now, there are no disruptions to WIC funding, and all services are continuing as usual,” Wald said. “WIC participants should continue to use their benefits and attend appointments as scheduled. If a government shutdown leads to any change in funding, Central Valley Health District’s WIC staff will immediately notify participants and provide guidance on next steps.”

Other services or programs at Central Valley Health are not affected by the government shutdown, said Shannon Klatt, director of health promotion at Central Valley Health, in an email to The Jamestown Sun.

“CVHD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if anything changes,” she said.

The U.S. government shut down on Oct. 1. The government shutdown will extend into next week after the U.S. Senate failed to advance two spending proposals.

Wald said it is difficult to predict the long-term impacts of a federal shutdown.

“We will continue working closely with our state partners to maintain WIC services and support for our participants for as long as possible,” she said. “If any changes occur, we will communicate updates to participants immediately.”

If any disruptions occur in WIC funding, she said Central Valley Health will follow the guidance and direction of North Dakota WIC.

Wald said WIC is an essential service in the community that protects the health of low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants and children younger than 5 years old. She said the program provides healthy supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care services such as prenatal care, immunizations and medical support for children

“By supporting the nutritional needs of at-risk families, WIC helps promote healthy growth, development, and long-term well-being,” she said.

The WIC program at Central Valley Health serves 400 participants per month from Dickey, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh and Stutsman counties, Wald said.

WIC participants who have questions or concerns can contact Central Valley Health District at (701) 252-8130 for more information.

“We understand that news of a government shutdown can be concerning, but we want to reassure clients that our office is currently operating as usual,” Klatt said. “We encourage residents to stay informed through our social media platforms and online at centralvalleyhealth.org .”

WIC participants who have questions or concerns can contact Central Valley Health District at (701) 252-8130 for more information.

For full article, visit here.

News ReleaseNursing

September 24, 2025 by centralv 0 Comments

Most current COVID vaccine to be available soon in Jamestown

By Keith Norman, For The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — The most current version of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available from Central Valley Health District on Sept. 29, according Kim Lee, director of nursing for the public health unit.

Some clinics or pharmacies may have it sooner, according to Molly Rachel, pharmacist for The Medicine Shoppe in Jamestown, who said their vaccine supply was on order as of Sept. 22.

“We are going to start immunizing people for COVID,” she said. “We will be vaccinating for the flu for those 3 and older and COVID for those 12 and over.”

Availability of the COVID vaccine follows action by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices last week on protocols related to the COVID vaccine.

Lee said the authorization by the ACIP, a federal board under control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, means the procedures for distributing the vaccines this year will be very similar to last year.

The ACIP updated to the schedules for administration of FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines to say the administration of the vaccines should be determined by “individual-based decision making” for those adults over the age of 65.

Vaccine administration for those people between the age of 6 months and 64 years should also be based on individual-based decision making, “with an emphasis that the risk-benefit of vaccination is most favorable for individuals who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease and lowest for individuals who are not at an increased risk, according to the ACIP.

The ACIP also passed on an 11-1 vote a requirement promoting consistent and comprehensive consent process that include six risks and uncertainties included in medical provider presentations.

Rachel said individual-based decision-making has always been the standard for administering vaccines.

“To me,” she said, “we have always done shared clinical decision making. … People should continue to discuss vaccines with their health care provider.”

This year’s late decisions on the COVID-19 vaccine protocols may have caused some confusion for the public, Rachel said.

“We just want to get people in and answer their questions,” she said. “We can usually clear things up for them.”

Lee said the actions by ACIP mean that COVID-19 vaccinations will be covered by most insurance plans this season. People should contact their preferred provider of vaccines for information about the cost and age requirements for vaccines.

Along with the COVID-19 vaccine, fall is often the time people think about updating their flu shots.

Rachel said flu and COVID shots can be administered at the same visit to a clinic or pharmacy.

According to the CDC website, this year’s flu shot is formulated to protect individuals against two variants of Influenza A and one of Influenza B. The CDC estimates 154 million doses of the flu vaccine will be available this flu season.

The vaccine is available in a regular dose and in a high-dose vaccine for those individuals over the age of 65.

The flu and COVID vaccines are rated at 30% to 60% effective in preventing hospitalization and severe illness, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

Lee said another consideration for the fall vaccination season is a Respiratory Syncytial Virus shot.

The RSV shot is available to everyone over the age of 75 and younger individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, the RSV vaccine is between 82% and 86% effective in reducing the risk of severe illness.

The vaccine provides lifetime protection from the illness.

People with questions about any of the vaccines should talk to their pharmacist or health care provider, Rachel said.

“We are going to start immunizing people for COVID,” she said. “We will be vaccinating for the flu for those 3 and older and COVID for those 12 and over.”

Uncategorized

September 17, 2025 by centralv 0 Comments

Changes to WIC Infant Foods

Effective October 1, 2025

Starting in October, WIC’s infant food packages will be changing. The USDA made changes to infant foods by reducing the amount of infant cereal and infant meats and giving the option of fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information CLICK HERE.

Our WIC staff at Central Valley Health will discuss these changes with you at your next appointment. If you have any questions, please call our office at 701-252-8130.

Free suicide prevention webinars to be held in March and April

One case of measles reported in Pembina County; brings 2026 cases to two in North Dakota

Town Hall: Food Safety Q&A

VGB Act Compliance: What Public Aquatic Facilities Need to Know

January is National Radon Action Month

Be Prepared this Season for Winter Weather!

Armstrong directs state funds to ND food programs during shutdown, urges donations to food pantries

WIC program fully operational; veterans receiving disability, pension checks amid shutdown

WIC program fully operational; veterans receiving disability, pension checks amid shutdown

Most current COVID vaccine to be available soon in Jamestown

Changes to WIC Infant Foods

Changes to WIC Infant Foods

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