BROOKINGS September is Suicide Prevention Month, and raising awareness of the topic was a priority at the Brookings City Councils meeting on Sept. 9.
“Here in Brookings, we know that suicide touches far too many lives,” Tehra Nelson of Brookings Area United Way said. Whether its a friend, a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor. Behind every statistic is a person, and behind every person is a network of loved ones forever changed.
She spoke shortly after Mayor Oepke Ope Niemeyer read a proclamation on suicide and its ripple effects.
“During Suicide Prevention Month, we remember those lost to suicide, honor the resiliency of survivors, support families affected, and commit to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, he said.
Niemeyer ticked off some statistics, including:
- Suicide is the ninth-leading cause of death in South Dakota, and the second-leading cause of death for residents in ages10 to 34 years.
- South Dakota has one of the nations highest suicide rates, with approximately 20 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2023 well above the national average.
Its not hopeless, however a point driven home by Nelson.
At Brookings Area United Way and alongside our partners and schools, health care, faith communities and local nonprofits we are committed to building hope and creating stronger connections, she emphasized. Suicide prevention is not just about responding in a moment of crisis; its about making sure every person feels seen, supported and valued every single day.
Niemeyer addressed that as well while reading the proclamation, noting that research shows that connectedness, early intervention, trauma-informed care, and reducing access to lethal means can save lives.
Nelson concurred.
This work takes all of us. It takes listening without judgment, reaching out when we see someone struggling and making sure our community knows about resources, like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, she said. Together we can break the stigma, open the conversation and remind one another that health and hope are always within reach.
In closing, she said, …Thank you for standing with us today. Your support ensures we keep moving forward toward a Brookings County where no one feels alone, and every life is valued.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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