In his preface to the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, then-Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher writes "Much of the work of suicide prevention must occur at the community level, where human relationships breathe life into public policy": That declaration is the basis for the philosophy behind the goals and objectives developed by the South Dakota Strategy for Suicide Prevention Workgroup, which are outlined in the state's plan for suicide prevention. Community members all have a role to play because "suicide prevention is everyone's business."
Because suicidal thinking or behavior is a life-threatening condition, professional clinicians are the key resource for people at-risk of suicide. Clinicians, paraprofessionals, other caregivers, and concerned citizens can benefit from participating in ASIST, a skills-based training now available in South Dakota that helps a community work toward a common approach to suicide prevention and intervention. Another valuable resource in South Dakota is a toll-free suicide crisis line, which is answered 24/7 for any call originating from the "605" area code.
Additional resources for communities include information about prevention suicide contagion, engaging stakeholders in taking collective action, finding local referral information, and helping the media report on suicide in a safe manner. Suicide rates are high among Native Americans in South Dakota, so several comprehensive resources are available for communities in Indian Country. And because the aftermath of a suicide death can be devastating to those left behind, there is also information to help survivors of suicide loss.
