The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) has noticed a trend when it comes to youth suicide. DSS has kicked off a youth suicide prevention campaign they are calling BeThe1SD according to a press release. They did this to align with the National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Suicide in youth is a huge issue. Back in 2019, the South Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that one in four South Dakota high school kids considered suicide. That same survey found that 12.3% of them actually attempted it. The new BeThe1SD campaign is hoping to change youths mind about suicide.
BeThe1SD is encouraging youth in South Dakota to learn more about the resources that are available and how they can change someone’s mind about suicide. This camping is targeting young adults ages 10 to 24 years old. The hope is the campaign will impact South Dakota’s youth this fall as most of them are back in the classroom.
On the BeThe1SD website, they have a list of resources to help South Dakota’s youth understand how they can help someone who is considering suicide. If someone is in need of immediate assistance, they can always call the suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-8255. These calls do remain confidential.
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