Social Services

Health problems can complicate your life in many ways. They often increase daily stress, cause financial concerns and require special treatment. Members of the Altru's Social Services Department are professionally trained to assess a patient's and/or family's needs.

Altru's Social Services is available to all patients and their families free of charge. Your physician or nurse may refer you or you can request to see a Social Worker by calling 701.780.5000, between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Community Agencies

Altru's Social Services can put you in touch with many community agencies, including:

• County Social Service Department
• Lodging facilities
• Mental Health / Chemical dependency agencies
• Special education services
• Support groups for specific needs / topics
• Home Care agencies
• Public Health

Referral To Financial Programs

Social workers will provide assistance for financial difficulties by locating the appropriate resources.

• Medicaid
• Social Security Administration
• Medication Assistance
• Veterans Administration
• North Dakota/Minnesota Children with Special Health needs
• Referral to Altru's Financial Counselors

Support Services

Illness and treatment can add stress to your life.

Altru's social workers provide support and referral services to patients and families in these areas:

• Adjustment to illness due to stress and change
• Coping with terminal illness
• Coping with grief
• Education on illness and treatment
• Parenting concerns
• Vocational counseling
• Financial concerns
• Advance directives and living wills
• Employee assistance programs
• Issues related to abuse, neglect and violence
• Issues related to separation
• Child evaluation and treatment program

Discharge Planning Services

Altru's social workers help you through the discharge process, arranging:

• Nursing home placement
• Transfers to other healthcare facilities
• Hospice referral
• Special medical transportation
• Follow-up services
• Homemaker services
• In-Home healthcare/Home Health
• Use or purchase of durable medical equipment
• Home delivered meals

Safe Haven For Infant Abandonment

North Dakota law allows parents to safely abandon an infant without fear of prosecution at any hospital. Infants up to one year of age can be safely abandoned at Altru Hospital with any Altru employee at any time.

Parents with questions regarding safe abandonment can call 701.780.5000 and ask to speak with a social worker or the house supervisor.