Suicide-prevention officials across South Dakota are reminding residents facing a mental-health crisis there are resources available.
The Department of Health says that in the first quarter of this year, 59 South Dakotans died by suicide. That compares with 28 in the same period last year.
Sheri Nelson is the suicide prevention director for the state’s 2-1-1 Helpline Center. She says last year, many people were feeling a heightened sense of mental stress caused by the pandemic.
While going through a global crisis might create more awareness, Nelson notes that lingering effects still can be felt.
Prior to the pandemic, South Dakota had the 8th highest suicide rate in the United States.
Crisis support is available 24/7 across South Dakota, just by dialing 211.
