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988
988 is a direct connection 24/7 to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, suicide crisis, or substance use. People can also contact 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need behavioral health support or need help meeting your family’s needs. It is free, confidential and answered by trained professionals at the Helpline Center in Sioux Falls.
211
Professionals at the Helpline Center in Sioux Falls are trained to connect individuals to appropriate community-based resources or government agency programs. Every day people turn to 211 for information and support. The call or text is free and confidential.
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How Professionals Can Help Prevent Suicide

We all have a part to play when it comes to saving South Dakotans’ lives. But some professions are specially equipped to make an impact.

Behavioral Health Counselors

Behavioral health counselors often work with people at risk of suicide. To provide the best care possible and to make them feel more confident in their ability to help at-risk individuals, counselors can browse the tools and courses below.

Clergy

Clergy members often serve as trusted confidants and spiritual advisors within their communities. By recognizing the signs of suicide risk and offering compassionate support, they can play a vital role in suicide prevention. The tools and courses below can help clergy members enhance their ability to assist individuals in need.

Corrections

Corrections officers frequently encounter individuals who may be at an increased risk of suicide due to the stresses and challenges of incarceration. By becoming more knowledgeable about suicide prevention strategies and risks, corrections officers can better support those in their care. Training should address staff attitudes about suicide and describe their ability to either assist or hinder suicide prevention efforts.

Many suicides in jails occur in the first 24 hours of incarceration — often when the individual is still under the influence of substances. They may also be experiencing feelings of embarrassment or guilt, or they may not have access to the medications they need to manage mental health disorders.

Other high-risk periods include:

  • While the individual is awaiting trial
  • After adjudication when the person returns to the corrections setting
  • At time of pending release
  • Holidays
  • Following the receipt of bad news.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center provides a great guide on the Role of Corrections Professionals in Preventing Suicide.

Emergency Departments

Emergency department staff are often the first point of contact for individuals in crisis, or for people who are contemplating or have attempted suicide. By understanding the indicators of suicidality and employing appropriate intervention techniques, they can save lives.

First Responders

First responders, including paramedics, firefighters and police officers, are frequently called to assist individuals experiencing suicidal crises. Their prompt and informed actions can be lifesaving. The tools and courses available will help first responders to better understand and address suicide risk, ensuring they are prepared to provide the necessary support.

Media and Reporters

How suicide is portrayed in the media is very important, as insensitive or sensationalized reporting could lead to additional suicide attempts or deaths. By reporting responsibly, they can help reduce stigma, spread the word about resources that can help and provide hope for those that may be struggling.

Many studies have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals. Risk of additional suicides increases when stories explicitly describe suicide methods, use graphic or drastic headlines and images, and when repeated or extensive coverage sensationalizes or glamorizes a death.

Best Practices and Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide provides tips for covering suicide-related topics, empowering media professionals to contribute positively to suicide prevention efforts.

Primary Care Providers

At any given time, 2–8% of primary care patients are having thoughts of suicide, and primary care providers are often the first to notice signs of mental health issues. By integrating suicide prevention strategies into their practice, they can play a crucial role in early intervention.

More than 65% of rural Americans get their behavioral health care from their primary care provider. This means that in states like South Dakota, PCPs are essential to the behavioral health delivery system. The Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Rural Primary Care provides a number of tools for use in office settings to better assist patients who are suicidal.

Educators

Schools are a key setting for suicide prevention, and educators can have a significant impact on the lives of young people and are in a key position to identify students who may be struggling. By staying informed about the risk factors and signs of suicide, as well as knowing how to respond to them, educators can offer critical support to at-risk students. The tools and courses below will aid educators in fostering a safer and more supportive environment for their students.

Resources for Educators

School-Based Suicide Prevention Curriculum and Programs

Crisis Planning for Schools

Resources for School Councilors