BISMARCK – Minot State University’s North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities is among seven organizations in the state to share in $353,983 in community suicide prevention grants, the North Dakota Health and Human Services announced.

The funding will go to the center to train professionals and serve individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.

Other recipients and projects include Quality Health Associates, which will focus on reaching older adults in rural and agricultural communities, and FirstLink, with a project to strengthen connections and outreach for rural Native American populations. Haugen Performance Consulting will use funds to engage collegiate student athletes and sports stakeholders statewide. Eyes on the Horizon Consulting will support suicide prevention among rural farmers and ranchers. Cook Center for Human Connection will focus on adolescents and young adults statewide, and Vision for Mental Health and Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks will provide services for veterans and service members.

This initiative will fund community-based efforts from Aug. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, using state dollars. Funded projects aim to strengthen community readiness and lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable suicide prevention programming.

During the last biennium, similar grants supported programs that reached about 37,000 individuals across North Dakota, HHS stated.

Crisis help is available by calling to texting 988 or by connecting at 988lifeline.org with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free, confidential resource available 24/7.