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 1-800-271-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/.

Celebrating Family Day in South Dakota – A Column by First Lady Linda Daugaard

A column by First Lady Linda Daugaard:

On Monday, Sept. 26, Dennis and I will celebrate Family Day. Family Day is a national initiative created by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse to promote family engagement as a way to help prevent substance abuse.

South Dakota First Lady, Linda Daugaard. Photo: SD.Gov

It’s no secret that even in South Dakota we live in a time when our kids and grandkids are pressured to participate in unhealthy activities. Smoking, drinking and using other drugs often begin in adolescence and can lead to addiction. According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, nine out of 10 Americans who meet the medical criteria for addiction started smoking, drinking or using drugs before age 18.

It is crucial for the health and safety of our children that we do whatever we can to prevent substance use for as long as possible. I hope you will consider joining parents across the country in signing the Family Day STAR pledge. Commit to spending time with your family. Talk to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Most importantly, recognize the power you have to positively impact your kids.

On Sept. 26, do something to remind your family how much you love and support them. Find time to play with your kids, eat together as a family or just help your children with their homework. You can show your own Family Day activity by taking a selfie with your family and using the hashtag #myfamilyselfie on social media.

Parents and grandparents need to know what is on kids’ minds. It’s the little things – the everyday activities – that have a lasting impact on children, and these kinds of activities provide an opportunity for you to listen to your kids. One conversation could end up making all the difference.