Resources available to help cope with disasters

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As many in the state continue to clean up and deal with the aftermath of this summer’s storms, the state is providing resources for those needing help coping with the mental stress of it all.

The state Department of Social Services has resources available for those dealing with the mental stress, which can have longer lasting effects.

The Department has weather-related behavioral health resources available online for children, parents, and schools. There are also Community Mental Health Centers across the state. More information on those and how to find one in our area can be found on the DSS website.

There are also hotlines available, including one for farmers, ranchers and their families. Help can also be reached by texting the word “TALK” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line. High school students can text “icare” to 898211 to connect with the Helpline Center’s Text4Hope program.

Information and resources for specific areas can also be found by calling 211.

More information can be found below:

DSS has weather related behavioral health resources available for children, parents, and schools online at https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/default.aspx.
To find a Community Mental Health Center in your area, visit https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/agencycounty.aspx or call the South Dakota Treatment Resource Hotline at 1.800.920.4343. Services can be in-person or via telehealth and financial assistance is available.
The Behavioral Health Voucher Program offers funding assistance and support for mental health services for individuals impacted by natural disasters, including farmers, ranchers and their families. For more information, visit www.605strong.com, call the SDSU Extension at 605.688.5125 or simply call 211.
Farmers and ranchers may also call the Farm and Rural Stress Hotline at 1.800.691.4336 to talk to Avera’s skilled and compassion mental health professionals.
Text “TALK” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line.
High school students can text “icare” to 898211 to connect with the Helpline Center’s Text4Hope program.
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255 (TALK) or chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to access resources in your area. The 211 Helpline app is also free and available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.