South Dakota Department of Social Services
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
dss.sd.gov

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Media Contact:  Tia Kafka, 605-773-3165

Suicide Prevention Toolkits Available for South Dakota Communities 

PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Social Services and the Department of Health, in partnership with the South Dakota Helpline Center, developed and created toolkits for communities to engage in suicide prevention.

“Suicide does not discriminate and can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender or ethnicity,” said Department of Social Services Secretary Lynne Valenti. “Suicide deaths are on the rise, and communities play a critical role in suicide prevention.”

Each toolkit has a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and is targeted to a specific audience or activity. Toolkits available at sdsuicideprevention.org/ include Building a Coalition, Employer Toolkits, Native American Toolkits, Healthcare Toolkits, Senior Care Toolkits and Military Member and Veteran Related Toolkits.

“The step-by-step guides in each toolkit give communities the resources they need to get the conversation started to address suicide,” said Secretary Valenti. “Suicide deaths are preventable, and communities can help by creating community coalitions that can review and evaluate local data and develop suicide prevention action plans.”

Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in South Dakota, and the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 15 to 34.

“Preliminary data for 2017 shows the number of suicide deaths in South Dakota will surpass the previous record high of 173 suicide deaths that occurred in 2015,” said Department of Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon.  

In addition to the toolkits, the website lists additional information on the warning signs, how to get help, support groups and upcoming suicide prevention trainings. Individuals in need of help are encouraged to call the South Dakota Helpline Center at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Services are available 24/7.

For more information about behavioral health services, or to find a Community Mental Health Center in your area, contact the Department of Social Services’ Division of Behavioral Health at 605-773-3123, toll-free at 1-855-878-6057 or online at dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/.

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