BISMARCK, N.D.– Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong participated in a Western Governors’ Association (WGA) two-day workshop focused on mental health Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Bismarck.
“Health Beyond Healthcare” is the 2027 WGA Chair initiative of Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green, focused on strengthening mental health outcomes across western states and territories by addressing both clinical care and the broader conditions that are foundational to mental health and well-being. North Dakota hosted the first of several workshops for the initiative.
Armstrong and WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf kicked off the event at noon Tuesday at the Radisson Hotel with a conversation about North Dakota’s approach to improving mental health outcomes and lessons learned from the state’s efforts.
The first lady participated in a panel at Tuesday afternoon titled “Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age,” discussing how smartphones, social media, AI and other technology is reshaping how young people learn, connect and experience the world, while also introducing new risks to their mental health and well-being.
Strinden moderated a panel later that same day on “Interventions to Improve Youth Mental Health,” identifying school- and parent-focused actions to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and access to behavioral health supports for K-12 students.