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.

2024

Nov 12, 2024
Governor Noem Proclaims November as Adoption Month
Governor Kristi Noem has made recruiting foster and adoptive families one of her top priorities. Accordingly, she has proclaimed November as Adoption Month in South Dakota.

Nov 8, 2024
DSS Opens Spring Application for Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has opened the next cycle of applications for the Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program, offering South Dakota based organizations the opportunity to apply for funding assistance to aid localized opioid abatement efforts.  

Oct 22, 2024
Prescription Take-Back Day is Saturday
Since South Dakota began participating in National Prescription Take-Back Day in 2016, over 95,000 pounds of unused medication has been collected through participating law enforcement locations and the Department of Social Services’ Safe Disposal Program.

Sept 24, 2024
Gov. Noem proclaims September as Kinship Appreciation Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Kinship Care Appreciation Month in South Dakota. The month is the time to acknowledge the relatives, members of Native American tribes, and non-related connections who provide ongoing care and nurturing for children.

Sept 23, 2024
Celebrating Behavior Health Recovery Month
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is calling on South Dakotans to celebrate September as Behavioral Health Recovery Month. This is a time set aside to recognize the successes of those who are in recovery from an episode of mental health and substance use disorders.

Sept 09, 2024
September is Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota. Changing the narrative from one of suffering to one of hope can help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help, and ultimately save lives. This month, let us commit to challenging outdated beliefs and stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide.

May 22, 2024
Gov Noem Proclaims May Foster Care Appreciation Month
Sara Jo Kegler rattles off the list of accomplishments like a proud mom – honor roll, basketball and track teams, youth group and now high school graduate, but her son, Garry Crowe, is quick to give credit where he thinks it belongs.

“Everything mom brags about with me, it’s all come from her,” said the 18-year-old Crowe, who first met Kegler when he was placed as a foster child in her home when he was 12-years-old. “She introduced goals. She had expectations and consistency with the discipline. She showed me what it meant to be a family man.”

May 13, 2024
Governor Noem calls for community involvement as part of Prevention Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May 12-18 as Prevention Week and is calling on all South Dakotans to join in making a difference and becoming actively involved in preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health.

May 6, 2024
Governor Noem challenges South Dakotans to check in on someone during Mental Health Awareness Month
It’s easy to talk about the small stuff like the weather. But deeper conversations, about how someone is really doing, can be hard. That’s why Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month, asking all South Dakotans to the take time to check in on someone. Ask how they are really doing.

Apr 22, 2024
Prescription Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 27
Since South Dakota began participating in the National Prescription Take-Back Day in 2017, nearly 53,000 pounds of medication has been collected for destruction through participating law enforcement locations. South Dakotans again have an opportunity to add to that total with the next Take-Back Day later this month.

March 4, 2024
DSS Opens Spring Application for Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has opened a second round of applications for the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program.

 

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

Dec 19, 2024
Stay Happy and Healthy in Winter
Winter weather can be discouraging to anyone, young or old, as it could limit their ability to be connected, travel, and spend time in the outdoors. Social isolation and a decrease in physical activity may lead to symptoms of depression.

Nov 26, 2024
The Healing Power of Pets: How Animals Can Boost Our Mood
Imagine walking through your front door after a long, exhausting day of homework, chores, or a tough shift at work weighing you down. Just when you think you can't take another step, a four-legged friend leaps toward you, tail wagging with pure joy. In that moment, everything changes. The stress melts away, and you are reminded of the simple happiness that comes from a loyal companion.

Oct 10, 2024
Global Peer Support Day
October 17, 2024, is the 10th Annual Celebration of Global Peer Support Day, recognizing those who facilitate and lead peer support programs and the work they do in helping their peers with mental health, substance use, and/or trauma-related challenges as they move through their recovery journey.

Sept 03, 2024
National Addiction Professionals Day
National Recovery Month in September, and specifically National Addiction Professionals Day on September 20th, highlights the seriousness of addiction within South Dakota and the critical role addiction professionals play in our communities. 

Aug 13, 2024
5 Steps for Success this School Year
As summer fades and the back-to-school season approaches, students everywhere are gearing up for the shift from relaxed summer days to the structured routines of school life. This transition often brings a whirlwind of emotions—from excited anticipation to nervous uncertainty. But don’t worry—with a bit of preparation, you can help turn these mixed feelings into a smooth start.

July 01, 2024
Supporting A Loved One Through Recovery
Chances are you probably know someone who has been affected by addiction. With over 48 million people being diagnosed with a substance use disorder in 2022 (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2022 National Survey Drug Use and Health Annual Report), anyone can suffer from addiction at any time during their life. 

June 04, 2024
Improving Your Mental Health by Getting Active Outside of the Gym
We’ve all been told that exercise is good for us. People are motivated to exercise for many different reasons such as losing weight, boosting endurance, and improving cardiovascular fitness. One benefit of exercise that is often overlooked, however, is the positive effect on your mental health.

May 02, 2024
Unlocking Mental Wellness in 8 Minutes
You've probably heard of Simon Sinek—he's that guy known for inspiring talks and books about leadership and finding purpose in what we do. But one of his lesser-known gems is the question he poses: "Do You Have 8 Minutes?" It might seem like a simple question, but its implications for mental health are profound.

Apr 03, 2024
What's in your Medicine Cabinet?
Spring cleaning this year? Don’t forget to include your medicine cabinet! Many of us accumulate multiple medications over the course of a year, whether it’s over the counter medication for a pesky cold or stronger medication prescribed to us by our doctor for a more serious medical condition.

Feb 12, 2024
Healthy Communication: I can't read your mind!
We’re all doing it – all day, every day, whether we want to or not, everyone is constantly communicating with each other. It helps each of us meet our needs as individuals. Although communication is a common yet important skill, healthy communication requires additional effort, time, and motivation. 

Jan 17, 2024
A DBT-Informed New Year: Building Mastery to Achieve Your Goals in 2024
The New Year is a new beginning filled with opportunity, inspiration, and optimism. Folks often set ambitious resolutions with good intentions of getting a fresh start in the New Year.