988 Day on Sept. 8

Each year more than 48,000 people die in the United States by suicide. In addition to September being National Suicide Prevention Month and Sunday, September 8 being National 988 Day, the Helpline Center is honored to announce that Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has proclaimed September 8-14 as Suicide Prevention Week. Click here to view the official proclamation.

“Raising awareness about suicide is critical to encourage those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts to reach out for help,” said Janet Kittams, Chief Executive Officer of the Helpline Center. “We need to come together as a community to offer support and provide a message of hope.”

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched nationally in 2022 and is available 24/7 for people having thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. Since 2022, trained 988 counselors around the country have responded to over 10 million calls, texts and chats. Since January 1, 2024, the 988 counselors at the Helpline Center have fielded 7,647 contacts, including calls, texts and chats. Once connected, 988 counselors listen, assess, provide support and create connections as well as provide follow up care.

In South Dakota, 988 is a partnership between the Helpline Center and the South Dakota Department of Social Services – Division of Behavioral Health. Both entities remain steadfast in their work to provide help and hope to individuals when it’s needed most. Click here for the South Dakota Suicide Prevention website for additional resources.

The Helpline Center invites South Dakotans to unite in promoting suicide prevention and awareness during the month of September, especially on Sunday, September 8 with the theme for 988 Day being “No Judgement. Just Help.”

The Helpline Center offers suicide prevention trainings, consultations for schools, grief support classes and other suicide awareness resources and programs. Statistics on the 988 calls received by the Helpline Center can be found by clicking here.