Governor, First Lady Highlight Accomplishments of ND Cares Coalition

Press Release

Gov. Jack and First Lady Betsy Dalrymple today held a news conference to highlight the accomplishments of the ND Cares Coalition since its inception 18 months ago. The Governor also signed an executive order officially establishing the ND Cares Coalition, a group dedicated to strengthening an accessible and seamless network of support for service members, veterans, families and survivors.

The news conference was held in conjunction with ND Cares Legislative Day at the state Capitol, where a number of coalition partners promoted their services and programs. The Governor and First Lady were joined by Sen. Dick Dever, Rep. Alan Fehr, and ND Cares co-chairs Connie Sprynczynatyk and Kathleen Wrigley.

"There are many ways in which we have done a really good job of supporting those who have served and are serving," said First Lady Dalrymple, who chairs the coalition. "However, there is more that all of us can do, and because of that need, ND Cares was formed. For the past 18 months, we have been running on lots of passion. Now, today, with this executive order, we have the authority and potentially the funding to advance our efforts."

ND Cares was formed in May 2013 through an invitation from the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. The coalition is comprised of more than 45 military and civilian professionals throughout the state focused on supporting those who have served and is dedicated to providing awareness and creating a well-recognized brand to help these heroes find the services they need.

Behavioral health and wellness is the focus of ND Cares, as these problems are far-reaching and exact an enormous toll on individuals, their families, communities and the broader society.

During the news conference, Gov. Dalrymple signed an executive order officially establishing the ND Cares Coalition. He also included $500,000 in his 2015-2017 executive budget to help expand the coalition's work and fund its future goals.

"Our veterans and service members have sacrificed so much to take care of us and this coalition is another meaningful way we can take care of them," said Gov. Dalrymple. "When they return from deployments, their service may be over, but ours is just beginning, as we work to provide them with the benefits and services they deserve and have so honorably earned."

For the past several months, coalition members have been working hard to conduct a comprehensive assessment of needs, integrate existing programs and resources, and develop a leader network to support collaborative efforts. Some examples of the progress that has already been made include:

Met with administrators from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine methods for data sharing.

Resolved a barrier to services that resulted from an eligibility disconnect between regional Human Service Centers and the VA.

North Dakota National Guard personnel are using regional Human Service Center boundaries to define their areas of service.

Providers are more informed of available state resources and connections to those resources are strengthening.

Created the North Dakota Military Data Book, which provides an overview of the services and programs available to service members, veterans, families and survivors.

In addition, a new Veterans Caucus has been formed within the North Dakota Legislative Assembly to discuss policy ideas and support legislation submitted on behalf of North Dakota's veterans and service members. Sen. Dever helped found the caucus and serves as its chair.

"The Veteran's Caucus is important for North Dakota because it will create an awareness of resources for veterans and because caucus members, who will be veterans themselves, will be able to effectively relate to the needs of our service members past and present," said Dever.

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