SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Finding mental health resources is as easy as dialing three numbers.
“988 is a partnership in South Dakota between the South Dakota Department of Social Services, the Division of Behavioral Health and the Helpline Center,” said Amy Carter, Helpline’s COO.
When you dial 988, the call is answered right here in Sioux Falls.
Along with mental health resources, it offers grief support and crisis response.
“It helped take away that stigma and it made it for anybody who could reach out for assistance. So, 988 is available through either chat, text or calling, which is also really important. We wanted to make it available for all generations, all people,” said Carter.
Sioux Falls Public Health Director Joe Kippley says South Dakota’s suicide rate is higher than the national average.
A conversation on mental health is the first step in preventing deaths.
“So, my message for the community really is that early intervention is key, kind of the culture and how we talk about things is upstream of some of these issues. And so really three key points would be that recovery is possible, resources are available, and we need to reduce the stigma of asking for help,” said public health director Joe Kippley.
Since 988 was launched in 2022, more than 20-thousand people have reached out.
For more information on the Helpline Center and 988, click this link.
