skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Measuring the Overhaul of Suicide Prevention Line, One Year In

play audio
Play

Thursday, July 20, 2023   

Assessments continue following the first anniversary of 988, the new version of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

In a state with a higher suicide rate, those behind South Dakota's operation see promise amid broader access issues. In July of last year, the lifeline switched from its 10-digit number to the easier-to-remember three digits.

Nationally, there were 5 million requests for help in the first year.

Janet Kittams, CEO of the 211 Helpline Center, said statewide, they saw a 130% increase in calls and texts to 988. She added more of the calls were non-crisis, an encouraging sign people are seeking help when symptoms first emerge.

"We'd much rather talk to people on the front end of a mental health or behavioral health issue," Kittams emphasized. "As opposed to the point when they're in very deep crisis."

Like other states, Kittams acknowledged they face staffing pressures in finding enough trained counselors to take calls. But she pointed out they have still been able to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and additional funds from the state this year will help. However, with a shortage of clinical providers still prominent, it can take someone several weeks to see a local specialist after their initial call to 988.

Kittams noted in those situations, they do their best to make sure the person who called feels supported while they wait for their appointment.

"If somebody calls us on 988, we're going to offer to call them back within the next day to check in with them and see how they're doing," Kittams explained. "And then we're going to continue to offer to call back over the next four weeks to try to touch base to make sure they're still stable, that they're not in crisis."

When the switch happened, some advocates worried it would lead to more responses from law enforcement, potentially leading to involuntary treatment or standoff situations. But Kittams countered they have been proactive in getting cooperation from police agencies to ensure 988 counselors lead the calls and avoid those scenarios.

"Ninety-five percent of the time, we're able to de-escalate, stabilize that caller," Kittams reported. "And so, we don't have to require a dispatch."

And in cases where police are called, law enforcement in nearly two dozen South Dakota counties have access to virtual crisis assistance to help deescalate.

It is meant for rural areas without a mobile crisis response team. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show South Dakota has the fifth-highest suicide rate in the U.S.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Social Issues

play sound

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021