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.

2023

Sept 11, 2023
Together We Are Stronger: Behavioral Health Recovery Month
With the start to a new school year in South Dakota, it’s time to talk about the ways schools and families can help maintain the emotional and mental health of their students.

August 23, 2023
Suicide Prevention: Back to School with Mental Health
With the start to a new school year in South Dakota, it’s time to talk about the ways schools and families can help maintain the emotional and mental health of their students.

August 21, 2023
Mental Health Voucher Program Launched for Childcare Providers
The Department of Social Services (DSS) recently launched a version of the Behavioral Health Voucher Program, offering funding assistance for mental health services to employees of state-licensed and registered childcare providers.

August 11, 2023
South Dakota Launches "Notes to Self" Marketing Campaign
The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) Division of Behavioral Health is announcing a new marketing campaign entitled “Notes to Self”. The campaign was developed to generate awareness and eliminate stigmas surrounding behavioral health concerns. The campaign also aims to emphasize the roles we can all take in prevention and early intervention.

August 01, 2023
SD Provides Tuition Assistance for High-Demand Careers
South Dakotans looking to go into high-demand career fields can receive help paying for tuition and fees from four technical colleges within the state.

July 17, 2023
South Dakota's SNAP Payment Error Rate Lowest in Nation
South Dakota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the nation’s most efficient and effectively run programs, according to payment error rates recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

July 13, 2023
988 Helping South Dakotans' Mental Health in Year One
The Department of Social Services (DSS) and The Helpline Center are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the start to South Dakota’s 988. 988 is a national three-digit phone number that has been created as a resource for all mental health-related distress, substance use, and suicide crises. People can also call 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need support.

June 26, 2023
Suicide Prevention: Addressing Self-Stigma to Elicit Help
Most people with mental illness face stigmas at some point. Stigmas can occur when people harbor negative views about things they might not fully understand. Stigmas can arise among friendships, within families, or inside social groups such as co-workers.

June 01, 2023
New portal gives employers new option to submit child support payments
A new online portal will give employers a new option to submit child support payments that are withheld from employees’ paychecks to the Department of Social Services (DSS).

May 15, 2023
Governor Noem calls for better mental health awareness
Reducing stigma and normalizing conversations about mental health concerns are keys to achieving better outcomes and well-being for individuals and families affected by poor mental health in South Dakota. That’s why Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

May 11, 2023
Celebrating Prevention Services in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May 7-13 as Prevention Week to recognize the efforts made by communities and organizations which promote positive mental health and prevent substance misuse.

May 03, 2023
Governor Proclaims May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month
Governor Kristi Noem has named May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month to recognize families that have stepped forward to help provide care, stability, and permanency for South Dakota children.

May 01, 2023
Nurses Week May 6 - 12, 2023
Each May nurses are recognized during National Nurses Week, May 6th-12th. National Nurses Week provides the opportunity to celebrate the nursing profession and to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and care nurses provide to their communities. It allows people to thank nurses for the work that they have done and the impact they have made on their patient’s lives.

Apr 13, 2023
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday April 22
Saturday, April 22 is the next Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. It is an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.

Apr 11, 2023
Suicide Prevention: The Importance of Mental & Physical Health
Often people view the mind and body separately. Yet, a person’s mental and physical health are very closely related. If there are problems with one, it is likely there will be problems with the other.

Apr 4, 2023
Governor Noem calls for community support for the prevention of child abuse, neglect
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to help bring an end to abuse and neglect in South Dakota.

Feb 28, 2023
Suicide Prevention: Healthy habits for older adults
As you grow older, you may find yourself spending more time at home alone. Being lonely or socially isolated is not good for your mental health as it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety including thoughts of suicide.

Feb 02, 2023
Suicide Prevention: Mental Health & Older Adults
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, affecting people of all ages, including older adults.

Jan 30, 2023
Grants available for Child Care Expansion and Startup
Governor Kristi Noem has approved the release of $12.5 million in federal funding over the next year to fuel the expansion and startup of new child care facilities in South Dakota.

Jan 27, 2023
More foster families are needed to care for South Dakota teens and their families
When conditions make it unsafe for teens to be at home, more foster families are needed to care for the teens and support their families.

Jan 23, 2023
Fake Pills Kill: The Increasing Danger of Fentanyl
Counterfeit pills containing deadly amounts of fentanyl are being seized in unprecedented quantities by the DEA in every state, including SD.

Jan 09, 2023
Suicide Prevention: Weathering the Storm
The impacts of winter storms can be stressful but there are resources to help you weather the storm.

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

Sept 14, 2023
Mental Health Memo: Suicide Prevention Month
Using Hope to Strengthen Life, Leading to Improved Mental Health

August 14, 2023
Overdose Awareness Month
Displaying a ribbon has become a symbolic way to show support for or bring awareness to a cause or social issue.

July 10, 2023
Mental Health Memo: Let's Talk About Summer Wellness
It's important as caretakers of children to be aware that summer break can be hard, and it's important to ensure kids are taking care of their wellness this summer.

June 02, 2023
PTSI Awareness Month
June is Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Awareness Month (also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month).

May 01, 2023
Nurses Week May 6 - 12, 2023
Each May nurses are recognized during National Nurses Week, May 6th-12th. National Nurses Week provides the opportunity to celebrate the nursing profession and to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and care nurses provide to their communities.

Apr 4, 2023
National Prescription Take Back Day
Have you ever wondered what to do with expired or unused medication?  

Mar 08, 2023
Celebrating Social Workers: March Mental Health Memo
HSC is helping celebrate this year’s Social Work Month. The theme “Social Work Breaks Barriers” features the many ways in which social workers have helped people, including South Dakotans, overcome challenges so they can have a better quality of life

Jan 31, 2023
Teen Dating Violence Awareness: February Mental Health Memo
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Jan 03, 2023
Put mental health first in the New Year: January Mental Health Memo
As you ring in the New Year, remember every day is an opportunity for a fresh beginning. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health.