The Department of Social Services and The Helpline Center have partnered with
South Dakota businesses and organizations to install 988 signs at outdoor areas to bring awareness to
the crisis lifeline.
A total of 112 permanent aluminum signs in eight South Dakota communities have or soon will be
installed. 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.
“988 is a resource that saves lives,” DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff said. “And so we make it our
mission to make 988 universally known so that this resource is thought about and used when it is
needed.”
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.
“The installation of the signs will provide a constant reminder that support is available 24/7 for mental
health, substance use, or suicide-related concerns,” said Janet Kittams, Chief Executive Officer at The
Helpline Center. “This is critical for people to have 988 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.
