RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. As part of working to destigmatize mental health issues, Monument Health Behavioral Services has stepped up to combat suicide in our area.

South Dakota has the 5th highest suicide rate in the country, according to South Dakota Suicide Prevention , and mental health issues can become even more prevalent in rural communities.

Monument Health Behavioral Services treats patients with a high risk of suicide. They work with other organizations to develop safety plans, so patients don’t have to be placed into the intake program.

Overall, their goal is to bring awareness to suicide prevention, and for people to know that it’s okay to reach out for help.

“Part of that is just being involved in the community and bringing that message out there. Many people get to that moment of despair, some go further and have serious thoughts of harming themselves, and then some actually act on that. But we’re all capable of having those moments. I think an awareness to that people who attempt suicide, don’t always have mental illness,” said director Dr. John Hagey.

If you or anyone you know needs local mental health help, reach out to Monument Health Behavior Center at 605-755-7200 or reach out to the national suicide prevention hotline at 988.

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