News & Events
Helpline Center’s news and events are the critical link between great community and the programs Helpline Center is involved in.
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. 
The 437 Project was born of a passion for bolstering both physical and mental wellness and the often overlooked connection between the two. In 2024, The 437 Project will run 437 miles across the state of South Dakota, raising funds to support the Helpline Center.
This group of twelve runners is made up of community leaders who will stop at nothing to influence and create positive change in the Mount Rushmore State. On Thursday, September 19th, runners will depart from the west side of the state to begin the 437 mile relay-style journey. Tackling the ever-changing South Dakota weather and terrain, runners will connect with communities as they raise funds and awareness for this initiative, finishing in Sioux Falls on Sunday, September 22nd.
Date: Saturday, August 31st
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Greenway Amphitheater
Every day, 295 lives are tragically lost to overdose in the United States. Nearly 80 percent of those are fueled by fentanyl. Let us come together as a community to honor and remember those who have died in this epidemic. By shining a light on their stories, we can raise awareness and advocate for change.
Our candlelight vigil will take place at the scenic Greenway Amphitheater, nestled in downtown Sioux Falls next to Cherapa Place and the iconic Arc of Dreams. In solidarity with this global event, the amphitheater and the Arc of Dreams will be illuminated in vibrant purple, the color that symbolizes International Overdose Awareness Day.
During the vigil, you will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from courageous families who have experienced the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one. Their stories will serve as a reminder of the devastating impact that substance use disorder, or even drug experimentation, can have on individuals and their families.
Additionally, we will have valuable information available on how to seek help and support for those struggling with addiction. Understanding the resources and avenues for assistance is crucial in addressing this crisis, and we aim to provide guidance to anyone seeking to make a difference.
For additional information, please click here.
Strength Isn’t Always Physical
Join us to hear the inspiring story of how a life-changing decision led former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson to a new passion for mental health. His compelling story fosters a message of hope and recovery. Drew played for two major league teams before attempting suicide in 2020. Since his retirement in 2021, he now serves as a mental health advocate for his former team. Drew will be speaking at two separate events in Sioux Falls on October 23, a luncheon event for business professionals and a free event in the evening that’s open to the public.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm at The Country Club of Sioux Falls ($200 for table of 8, includes lunch)
7:00 pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (free event)
For more than a half a century, we’ve connected people in need to the resources they need. With thousands of calls answered each year, we’re continuing our mission to make lives better by giving support, offering hope and creating connections all day, every day.
50th Anniversary Celebration in May 2024
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- 50th Anniversary Celebration
Click image below to view the timeline of the agency.
The Helpline Center in partnership with the Department of Social Services created this 988 Community Education and Awareness Toolkit to share marketing and educational resources about 988 in South Dakota. We encourage you to use the materials in this toolkit to share information about 988 with your communities. The resources in this toolkit have been created to provide information to the public. With these materials, you can help members of your community learn:
- What is 988
- How 988 can help
- When to contact 988
- How to contact 988
- And more!
Check it out here: 988 Toolkit
The Helpline Center offers a variety of support services for survivors of suicide loss. One of the ways we support survivors is through our monthly support groups. We provide a safe, confidential space that looks to provide hope to survivors no matter where they are at in their journey. There is an in-person and virtual support group available.
In-person Group
- Dates: Third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
- Location: 3817 S Elmwood Ave | Sioux Falls, SD 57105
- There is no fee or registration required. Must be 18 years old to attend.
Virtual Group
- Dates: Second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CST
- Location: Online
- There is no fee but registration is required. Must be 18 years old to attend.
- Please register here.
Surviving After Suicide Class
Our class is a nine week education and support based class for adults designed to support survivors as they express and seek to understand the powerful grief they experience. Each class focuses on a unique aspect of survivor grief and is followed by a support session allowing members to share their stories. There is no fee for the materials or class. Registration is required and you can complete an online registration prior to the next class session. Classes begin each January, April and September.
If you have any questions please email us at griefsupport@helplinecenter.org
This is your reminder that you’re not alone, and there is always hope and help.
The 988 Lifeline staff at the Helpline Center are always available to support you, 24/7/365. The holidays aren’t merry and bright for all, and if you’re facing stress in your relationships, anxiety, stress, depression, or any negative thoughts, we are here.
Call, text or chat 988.
Each year more than 48,000 people die in the United State by suicide, leaving thousands of parents, siblings, wives, husbands, sons, daughters and friends to survive the tragic loss. The Helpline Center has offered support to those bereaved by suicide loss since 1999 and now, thanks to funds raised through The 437 Project, we’re able to expand how we can meet individuals in their grief.
We’re happy to announce the launch of a new website designed with the goal of providing hope and help to even more suicide loss survivors. There are many new features on the site and we encourage you to take a look and help us spread the word!
Healing After a Suicide Loss booklet
In Remembrance page
Resource Library
In addition to the website and resources, we will begin offering a virtual support group online on the 3rd Wednesday of each month via Zoom. We truly want to support individuals across South Dakota and we hope these new opportunities will provide just that.
To learn more about our survivor resources or our virtual support group, please email griefsupport@helplinecenter.org.
988 shirts can be purchased online and either mailed to you (shipping included in price) or can be picked up at the Helpline Center office in Sioux Falls, SD when available. Bella Canvas brand, unisex sizing and the color is heather magenta. Click on the link below to purchase! If you’d like to place a bulk order of 8 t-shirts or more, please email us at marketing@helplinecenter.org.
