Kelly Michael Armstrong, Governor | Official Website
Kelly Michael Armstrong, Governor | Official Website
Gov. Kelly Armstrong participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Altru Behavioral Health Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The project will increase the number of inpatient beds from 24 to 48. Armstrong emphasized the state's investment in behavioral health services, underscoring its importance for addressing mental health needs.
The expansion is funded by a $12.96 million grant included in the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services budget under House Bill 1012. Altru is required to match this with $3.24 million.
“This is a game-changer for behavioral health services in Grand Forks and the surrounding region, because when it comes to meeting the mental health needs of our citizens in their most vulnerable moments, every single bed counts,” Armstrong stated.
Additional funding was approved by the Legislature: $16 million for 30 beds focused on youth in Bismarck and $3.4 million for 10 beds in Williston. Moreover, lawmakers allocated $300 million for a new State Hospital in Jamestown, which will offer 140 treatment beds.
Armstrong expressed gratitude to state representatives Emily O’Brien and Jon Nelson, among others, as well as Altru President Dr. Josh Deere and CEO Todd Forkel, Universal Health Services’ Matt Peterson, Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, and DHHS's Pam Sagness for their support and commitment.
The completion of the Altru Behavioral Health Center expansion is anticipated by fall 2026.
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