Press Releases

DSS News provides media and the public with current news and events happening within the Department of Social Services. If you need background or further information on any article, please contact us at dssmedia@state.sd.us or 605.773.3165.

For a list of past news release, please visit NEWS.SD.gov.

2026

September 03
988 Day To Be Celebrated Across South Dakota
The Department of Social Services (DSS) and its partner, The Helpline Center, are joining our nation’s celebration of 988 Day on Sept. 8, 2026.

The goal of 988 Day is to raise awareness about the availability of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A variety of creative activities spearheaded by communities, organizations, and individuals are planned to accomplish this goal. In South Dakota, that means sharing stories of perseverance and encouraging people to seek out support, using this year’s theme, “988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough.

September 01
Governor Proclaims September as Kinship Care Appreciation Month
Governor Larry Rhoden has proclaimed September 2026 as Kinship Care Appreciation Month in South Dakota, recognizing the contributions of grandparents, relatives, members of Tribal Nations, and close family friends who step forward to care for children entrusted to the child welfare system. The care provided by kinship providers helps keep families connected.

August 31
SNAP Waiver Excluding Soft Drinks Submitted to USDA
The waiver is a result of legislation enacted during the 2026 Legislative Session (House Bill 1056), requiring DSS to submit a federal waiver request to USDA to exclude soft drinks from eligible SNAP purchases. Soft drinks are defined as nonalcoholic beverages containing natural or artificial sweeteners.

August 06
Big Crowd Expected at DSS's Behavioral Health Conference
More than 730 health professionals, educators, emergency service workers, and community members interested in strengthening behavioral health services are expected to attend the annual Behavioral Health Conference next week in Sioux Falls.

July 16
Movement: One of the Most Powerful Tools for Better Mental Health
Most people think of exercise as a way to improve weight, strength, or heart health. While those benefits matter, one of the greatest rewards of regular movement is its impact on your mental and emotional well-being. A growing body of research shows that physical activity is one of the most effective habits for improving mood, reducing stress, sharpening thinking skills, and protecting long-term brain health.

June 30
988 Sign Installation Brings Awareness
The Department of Social Services (DSS) and The Helpline Center have partnered with South Dakota businesses and organizations to install 988 signs at outdoor areas to bring awareness to the crisis lifeline.

June 06
South Dakota's SNAP Payment Error Rate Lowest in Nation
South Dakota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s most efficient and effectively run program, according to payment error rates released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

May 22
South Dakota Submits Plan to Revalidate Medicaid Providers
The South Dakota Department of Social Services has submitted its provider revalidation strategy to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The plan is in response to a call from CMS to all state Medicaid agencies to address areas of emerging risk for fraud, waste, and abuse and strengthen the array of safeguards used today to protect taxpayer resources. South Dakota’s plan is accelerated and goes beyond CMS requirements.

March 26
Wear Blue on April 2 for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Communities across South Dakota are coming together in April to raise awareness of the harms abuse and neglect can cause to our state’s greatest resource: our children. Through prevention efforts, South Dakotans are being invited to take actions to build stronger families.

For a list of past Mental Health Memos, please visit NEWS.SD.gov.

2026

August 02
Youth Suicide Prevention
As the new school year approaches, many adolescents and young adults are gearing up for the transition back to the classroom. For most, this time of year brings excitement, new opportunities, and the chance to reconnect with friends. For some, it may come with stress, anxiety, or uncertainty.

June 15
Why Sleep Matters for Mental Health
Sleep is one of the most important yet commonly overlooked components of mental well‑being. Much like muscles require rest to stay strong, the brain needs consistent, restorative sleep to function properly. Although researchers continue to study exactly how sleep benefits brain processes, it is clear that sufficient sleep, especially Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, is essential. REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs, and the brain naturally prioritizes this stage when sleep-deprived, highlighting its importance.

May 07
Shining a Light on Mental Wellness
Each May, organizations across the nation recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its start in 1949 by Mental Health America, this observance has grown with support from groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the South Dakota Department of Social Services – Division of Behavioral Health, and many community partners.

April 15
National Alcohol Awareness Month: Encouraging Safe, Inclusive, and Healthy Choices
April is recognized as National Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting education, prevention, and support for individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol use. It also provides an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to talk with youth about celebrating life’s milestones in safe and healthy ways.

March 12
Celebrating Social Work Month
What is Social Work Month?
Social Work Month is an annual observance held every March to recognize the profound contributions social workers make on our communities.

February 10
Winter Wellness: Staying Connected and Mentally Healthy During the Cold Months
How does winter weather affect our relationships and mental health?
Living in South Dakota makes winter unpredictable. Snowstorms and icy roads often lead to canceled plans, which can feel disappointing and introduce barriers to remaining connected.

January 05
Better Ways to Feel Better & Celebrate National Hobby Month!
The start of the new year is the perfect time to reflect on how we care for ourselves, especially when life gets stressful. January is National Hobby Month, and it's a great reminder that finding healthy, enjoyable activities can be one of the best ways to feel better and build resilience.