September is National Suicide Prevention month. According to a press release, South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS) was one of five applicants in the nation to receive a three year grant that sums $1.2 million to help with suicide prevention in adult.
The South Dakota DSS will receive $400,000 annually from August 31st, 2020 to August 30th, 2023. This grant will be used to help improve fallow up care for adults that are at risk for suicide after treatment, help more organization adopt the “Zero Suicide” practice and help out veterans that aren’t already receiving help from Veterans Health Administration Services (VHA). It is predicted around 68,000 South Dakotan’s will receive help over the next three years from this grant.
There will be multiple organizations involved in the project. The press release says DSS Division of Behavioral Health will be overseeing the project. Other organizations that will be involved are the Helpline Center, health care providers and other community partners with a focus on suicide prevention. This grant will focus on adults 25 years old and older who are dealing with suicidal thoughts, according to the press release.
If you or someone you know is dealing with feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. You can also text “Hello” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
Comments