The South Dakota Department of Social Services and The Helpline Center have partnered with businesses and organizations to install 988 signs at outdoor areas to bring awareness that the crisis lifeline is available.
A total of 112 permanent aluminum signs are being placed in eight South Dakota communities: Winner, Huron, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Rapid City, Yankton and Vermillion. The signs urge South Dakotans to call, text or chat 988 if they need support. 988 connects people directly with professionals at The Helpline Center who can help individuals cope with mental health, substance abuse or thoughts of self harm. 988 is available 24/7 and is confidential.
The signs have been placed at businesses, shopping malls, universities and schools, and organizations throughout the state. Participation came at no cost. The signs were installed on permanent outdoor fixtures.
Janet Kittams, Chief Executive Officer at The Helpline Center, said the installation of the signs will provide a constant reminder that support for mental health, substance use, or suicide-related concerns is available 24/7. She said it is critical for people to have 988 in mind and at their fingertips when they need it the most.
An estimated 149,000 adults in South Dakota live with a mental health condition and 1 in 9 adolescents ages 12-17 experience serious thoughts of suicide each year. In 2024, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death statewide and the leading cause of death for South Dakotans ages 20-39. Additionally, 94 overdose deaths were reported in 2024.
Courtesy image.
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