News Release | For Immediate Release | July 20, 2026
Media Contact:
Kaelynn Thunder Hawk Blackaby
Communications & Grant Coordinator
Tri-County Regional Development Council
701-577-1358
WILLISTON, N.D. – Organizations serving rural and tribal communities across North Dakota have an opportunity to help strengthen behavioral health resources for families through a new funding opportunity from the North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Approximately $500,000 is available to support one organization in conducting a statewide Parents Lead needs assessment and developing a standardized Train-the-Trainer curriculum that can be used by community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and other partners across the state.
The project is designed to better understand the behavioral health needs of North Dakota parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community organizations while creating consistent, evidence-based training materials that expand the reach of the Parents Lead program.
The selected applicant will conduct a statewide assessment using surveys, interviews, focus groups, and stakeholder engagement to identify resource gaps, barriers to accessing services, and opportunities to strengthen support for families. Findings will be used to develop a strategic roadmap that helps guide future Parents Lead initiatives.
In addition to the assessment, the organization will develop a comprehensive Train-the-Trainer curriculum that includes facilitator guides, participant materials, presentations, implementation resources, and evaluation tools. The curriculum will equip partners across North Dakota to confidently deliver Parents Lead programming while maintaining a consistent, high-quality approach.
"This funding opportunity is an investment in North Dakota families and the organizations that support them," said Cyrena Weeks, Executive Director of Tri-County Regional Development Council. "By creating standardized training and listening directly to communities, we can build stronger resources that help parents and caregivers navigate today's behavioral health challenges. We're excited to help organizations throughout our region pursue this opportunity."
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, tribal organizations, and other qualified entities serving rural or tribal populations in North Dakota.
Applications are due Friday, August 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT. HHS will also host a technical assistance webinar on Tuesday, July 21, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. CT for organizations interested in learning more about the funding opportunity.
As a contracted Technical Assistance provider for the Rural Health Transformation Program, Tri-County Regional Development Council is available to assist eligible organizations with understanding the funding opportunity, reviewing applications, and navigating the application process at no cost to the applicant. For more information or technical assistance, contact Tri-County RDC at 701-577-1358.
Learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program and available funding opportunities.
This RHTP funding opportunity is supported by CMS of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $198,936,969.55 with 100% funded by CMS/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are those of ND HHS and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. Government.
