North Dakota Department of Human Services

NEWS from the North Dakota Department of Human Services

600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck ND 58505-0250

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Heather Steffl 328-4933 or 527-7445
March 30, 2009


ND Department of Human Services Office Closure and Staffing Update



BISMARCK, ND - The North Dakota Department of Human Services announces the following closings and program staffing due to blizzard conditions and flood response for March 30, 2009:



CLOSED FACILITIES



Dickinson service sites are closed.

· Dickinson Regional Child Support Enforcement Office – closed due to weather

o Individuals who need assistance with payment information, problem resolution, or who are updating their contact information can contact Child Support Enforcement Customer Service toll free at 1-800-231-4255, e-mail: socscs@nd.gov, or can conduct business on-line at www.childsupportnd.com.

· Badlands Human Service Center is closed today. Clients have been notified when possible. The Crisis Line is staffed and can be reached at 866-491-2472 (toll free) or 701-290-5719.



OTHER SITES ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS



The Regional Child Support Enforcement Offices located in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston, are open and the State Office/State Disbursement Unit is open in Bismarck.



Southeast Regional Human Service Center in Fargo - OPEN

· Southeast Regional Human Service Center in Fargo is open, and employees not dealing with flooding are reporting to work.

· Medical services staff are keeping appointments as scheduled, with some staffing changes.

· Clinical and direct care staff members are assisting with about 68 vulnerable persons who have evacuated as a preventative measure to a special needs shelter located in West Fargo.

· Alcohol and drug treatment and other evening therapy programming have been canceled. Staff are contacting clients to provide support.



In addition to the Fargo site, regional human service centers in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston are open and serving clients.



The State Hospital in Jamestown and the Developmental Center in Grafton provide 24-hour care and never close. They continue to care for some vulnerable individuals evacuated due to flooding concerns in Fargo.



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