Events

September 26

A suicide prevention & awareness event held by SDSU Student Clinic and Counseling Services and HEROH at the Thompson Center in Brookings, SD. Join us Saturday, September 26th from 9am-11am in our fight for suicide prevention and awareness and participate in this free 5K run/walk honoring the life of SDSU alumni John Enke! Suicide can be prevented when we can talk about it as a community.

• This event will begin at the Thompson Center, 802 11th Ave, Brookings, SD 57007, at 9 AM with an art exhibition intended to spark discussion around suicide prevention and awareness.

• Parking is available in the Pugsley Continuing Ed Center which is located at the intersection of Medary Avenue and 8th Street.

• Following the beginning of the exhibition at approximately 9:30AM, we will begin the 5K run/walk. The route will start and end at the Thompson Center.

• This event is FREE and open to the public  

• Learn more about John's story and discover additional ways to support suicide prevention efforts at the link below.

September 28

6:00 PM 

Dakota Wesleyan University Sherman Center - 1200 University Avenue, Mitchell, SD 

A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States.  

After the viewing, there will be a panel discussion with representatives from various youth serving and suicide prevention organizations.  

October 10

 Hilton Garden Inn South (5300 S Grand Cir, Sioux Falls)

9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

The Journey Beyond Loss: A Symposium for Suicide Loss Survivors is a one day event designed to provide support, education, and connection for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. The symposium brings survivors together in a safe, understanding environment where grief is honored and shared. 

The keynote, “Five Keys to Healing from Traumatic Suicide Loss,” explores the connection between resilience and post traumatic growth, offering insight and hope for individuals and families navigating the profound challenges of suicide loss. Keynote speaker Dr. Don Belau has been actively involved in suicide prevention and suicide postvention efforts in Nebraska for over 30 years. He has provided training for faith communities, law enforcement, mental health staff, K-12 educational programs, e.g., and has led the development of Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) teams across the nation. 

Attendees will then have the opportunity to participate in thoughtfully designed breakout sessions that address the diverse experiences of suicide loss survivors. Topics include survivor well being, the unique experiences of veterans, the role of forgiveness in grief, and LOSS Teams. These sessions offer practical tools, personal insight, and opportunities to learn from professionals and peers who understand the complexities of suicide loss. The event will conclude with a Q&A Panel. 

Adults who’ve lost someone to suicide can attend this symposium to find connection, hope, and meaningful support in their healing journey. Whether someone is newly bereaved or has been carrying loss for years, this event offers a chance to feel less alone, gain coping strategies, and connect with others who truly understand. For many, the symposium can become a powerful step toward healing—reminding survivors that while the loss is profound, support and understanding are available along the way.