Grand Forks’ Jonathan Holth Aims to Save Lives and Improve Lives in New Role

Jonathan Holth’s new Cabinet position focuses on supporting those in need, including the incarcerated and those facing addiction.

Grand Forks’ Jonathan Holth Aims to Save Lives and Improve Lives in New Role
Grand Forks’ Jonathan Holth Aims to Save Lives and Improve Lives in New Role

Grand Forks: Jonathan Holth is stepping into a new role in Governor Kelly Armstrong’s Cabinet. He’s been working with former First Lady Kathryn Burgum to tackle addiction stigma. Now, he’s ready to use his experience to help those in prison and those struggling with substance use and mental health issues.

Holth’s main goal? To save lives and improve lives. He’s not rushing into specific plans just yet, but he’s got a clear vision. There are big issues to tackle, like overcrowding in correctional centers. His new job as commissioner of Recovery and Reentry kicked off right after Armstrong’s State of the State address.

There’s a lot of buzz around this new position. Holth has heard from many people who believe this role is essential. He’s excited about the partnerships he can build with local governments, legislators, and other state departments. The positive feedback has been encouraging, and he’s eager to meet everyone involved.

Living in Grand Forks, Holth co-owns two businesses but will spend a lot of time in Bismarck during legislative sessions. He wants to connect with people across the state, from big cities to small towns, and be a helpful resource.

He’ll be talking to lawmakers, the Department of Corrections, law enforcement, and many others who care about helping those in need. Governor Armstrong has faith in Holth’s abilities, saying he’s the right person for the job.

Holth will travel around North Dakota, meeting with county sheriffs and jail administrators to understand their needs. He’ll share these insights with the Legislature and work on new ways to help people rehabilitate more effectively.

He’s seen the great work done by the state’s behavioral health division and wants to ensure all counties are using available programs effectively. He knows that what works in cities like Fargo might not be the same for rural areas.

Listening will be a big part of his job at first. He wants to hear what’s working and what isn’t before making any plans. He’s not about to come in and dictate what should be done.

While it’s early to pinpoint specific needs, he expects discussions will include making it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to reenter the workforce. He’s all about ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.

Holth has a background in reducing stigma and building relationships in the behavioral health field. As a small business owner, he’s seen firsthand how these issues affect his employees, and he’s keen to apply his experiences in this new role.

He’ll earn $155,000 a year, but he’s focused on immediate goals rather than what the future holds. Armstrong highlighted three reasons for creating this position: the need for services to keep vulnerable people out of the justice system, admiration for Burgum’s work, and a belief in better use of Cabinet resources.

The demand for mental health and addiction services is high, and there aren’t enough professionals to fill the gaps, especially in rural areas. Armstrong believes Holth’s experience will be a huge asset in figuring out what works and what doesn’t, aiming for creative solutions to improve the system over time.

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