The North Dakota Human Services Department is asking area residents for comments and to provide local priorities at an upcoming public input meeting in Williston.

Department representatives are holding a meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Psychosocial Club at 212 2nd St. West.

Heather Steffl, public information officer for the Human Services Department, said the meeting is one of a series of eight being held in the state. She said the meetings tend to last about 90 minutes. The meetings are held every two years, usually in the largest eight communities in the state.

"The purpose is to gather information for our budgeting process. We want to learn from them about concerns and gaps in services so we can address them," said Steffl.

Steffl said the Human Services Department employs nearly 2,000 people statewide and operates on a two-year, $2.3 billion budget. It takes a lot of time and effort to plan and provide the services residents need and want. "Even though we're just coming out of the last legislative session, we've already begun planning the next budget. We start looking at what it is we can provide for people," said Steffl.

Steffl said the priorities vary regionally, which is why the department goes to communities in all corners of the state. So far, there is some solid feedback from four well-attended meetings.

"Areas of concern have included transportation, which is important because we live in a state with a lot of remote, rural areas. There also are the needs of young people during that transition to adulthood, which people feel is important," said Steffl.

Steffl said another concern involved the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, which surfaced at a couple of meetings.

She is very pleased with the feedback and expects it to continue here. Steffl doesn't want to speculate on what people's concerns may be because "we don't want to go into these meetings with any preconceived notions of what people want."

Steffl said participation has been strong in the first four meetings. She said 114 people attended the Fargo meeting, while 64 attended in Grand Forks and 40 attended at Devil's Lake. She didn't have numbers for the Jamestown meeting.

"It's important and a way for people to talk to us about our services. We get feedback on what's working well and about the changes implemented," said Steffl.

Human Services executive director Carol Olson is to attend the Williston gathering and department staff is going to take down as much information as possible for future use. Ultimately, Steffl said staff is coming to listen, and the more comment it receives, the better.

"I think everyone will come away with a better idea of the variety of community concerns," said Steffl.

Anyone unable to attend the Williston meeting may submit their concerns, comments or ideas through mail at 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND 58505-0250. Comment can also be sent by e-mail to dhseo@nd.gov or fax at 701-328-1545.

For more information on the North Dakota Human Services Department, visit www.nd.gov/dhs.