Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion project at Altru Behavioral Health Center in Grand Forks, which will double its inpatient bed capacity. This development is part of North Dakota's broader efforts to enhance behavioral health services across the state.

Armstrong recently approved a $12.96 million grant aimed at increasing the number of inpatient beds at Altru from 24 to 48. This funding was included in the budget for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under House Bill 1012 and requires Altru to contribute matching funds of $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.

Additionally, Armstrong highlighted legislative approval for $16 million allocated to 30 behavioral health beds focused on youth in Bismarck and $3.4 million for 10 beds in Williston. Lawmakers also sanctioned $300 million for constructing a new State Hospital in Jamestown, which will provide 140 treatment beds.

Acknowledgments were extended by Armstrong to state Rep. Emily O’Brien of Grand Forks, Rep. Jon Nelson of Rugby, other lawmakers supporting the Altru project, Altru President Dr. Josh Deere, CEO Todd Forkel, Universal Health Services’ Behavioral Health Division President Matt Peterson, Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, and DHHS Behavioral Health Division Executive Director Pam Sagness for their dedication to improving mental health services.

The expansion at Altru Behavioral Health Center is projected to be completed by fall 2026.