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About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

According to state data, the most common crisis that South Dakota's helpline responds to is suicide (23.5%), followed by anxiety (17.5%), family issues (16%), depression (14%) and substance use (10.4%). (Fergus Coyle, Adobe Stock)

SD health officials: 988 can handle a variety of crises

Since its rollout two years ago, South Dakota's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has seen a slow but steady uptick in use, but the state says there are …

About 21,000 South Dakota children lived in high-poverty areas between 2018 and 2022, a decrease from the previous four years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Plateaued data on SD kids’ economic well-being ‘concerning’

South Dakota ranks well in the country for the economic well-being of its kids, according to a new study, but a ranking does not tell the whole story…

An estimated 500 South Dakotans between ages 13 and 17, and 2,900 adults, identify as transgender, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. (Adobe Stock)

SD sends mixed messages on youth rights

A staggering 93% of transgender teens live in states that have either enacted or proposed laws that would restrict their rights - according to a new r…

Recent statewide figures look promising, but homelessness in South Dakota has risen more than 120% since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

Sioux Falls programs address rising homeless population

Homelessness in South Dakota may be down overall, but the state's urban areas are an exception. New programs in Sioux Falls aim to address it…

Some groups see disproportionately high rates of suicide, including veterans, racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. (Adobe Stock)

Experts spotlight youth mental health, suicide prevention

Rates of suicide among young people have increased by about 36% in roughly the last two decades and the surge has caught the attention of federal poli…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Creating a supportive classroom for students with ASD

April is Autism Acceptance Month and as rates grow, support organizations in South Dakota hope more children on the spectrum get the tools they need …

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking. Officials say it can include a walk on your lunch hour, if possible. (Adobe Stock)

Go for a walk and kick workplace sluggishness aside

Tomorrow is National Walking Day in the U.S., and in states like South Dakota, health experts and business leaders are trying to convince more people …

To date, 40 states, including South Dakota, have expanded Medicaid with help from the Affordable Care Act. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Medicaid expansion becomes ensnared with work-requirement debate

As South Dakota continues to implement a Medicaid expansion approved by voters in 2022, controversy has emerged with some lawmakers seeking approval …

For a person in a relationship with someone struggling with an addiction, experts recommend asking for help in planning any holiday gatherings, which allows you to avoid some stress while still supporting your partner. (Adobe Stock)

Navigating the holidays for families experiencing addiction

Celebrating the holiday season can be complicated for households with a loved one dealing with an addiction. A South Dakota expert said there are …

Groups trying to prevent bullying say simple things such as sparking conversations in the classroom about each student's favorite TV show can help establish inclusiveness. (Adobe Stock)

Sense of community at heart of anti-bullying messaging

This weekend marks the kickoff of National Bullying Prevention Month. Those raising awareness hope schools in South Dakota and elsewhere work toward …

Associations for Community Health Centers say if Congress does not extend federal funding, nearly seven million patients around the United States could lose access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Centers Juggle Demand, Operational Headwinds

This week is National Health Center Week. The facilities help to close care gaps in underserved communities, and regional and national leaders hope …

In 2020, the University of South Dakota became the latest academic institution to develop a graduate-level studies program, inspired by the Zero Abuse Project, that gives students a more realistic experience in responding to child maltreatment cases. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Progress in Boosting Training for Child-Abuse Case Workers

A South Dakota academic program that enhances training for those who respond to child abuse and neglect cases is gaining momentum. In the past …

Operators of South Dakota's 988 suicide prevention call and text line say in the coming months, they plan to do more specialized outreach among military veterans and farmers. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the Overhaul of Suicide Prevention Line, One Year In

Assessments continue following the first anniversary of 988, the new version of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In a state with a higher …

In findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the average annual cost of care for one child in the U.S. was $10,600 in 2021, one-tenth of a couple's average income, and more than one-third of a <br />single parent's income. (Adobe Stock)

Child Care Access Hovers Over SD Child Well-Being Report

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like South Dakota fared better in the …

More than 60% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist, and almost half do not have a psychologist, compared with 27% and 19% of urban counties, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Dives into Challenges, Solutions for Behavioral Care in Rural U.S.

A new report spotlights some of the challenges to accessing behavioral health care for the one in seven Americans who live in rural areas. Those …

A report published in late February says children of mothers who are abused or neglected were more likely to demonstrate symptoms and behaviors linked to depression, along with other health issues. (Adobe Stock)

New Research Links Child Maltreatment to Generational Health Outcomes

New findings suggest health effects stemming from child maltreatment can be passed on to the next generation. In South Dakota, leaders in early-…

A new national study says rates of online childhood sexual abuse are particularly high for girls at 23% compared to 7% for boys. (Adobe Stock)

Internet Task Forces Balance Tips, Tech Hurdles in Protecting Kids

South Dakota investigators say they're carrying heavy caseloads dealing with internet crimes against children. There's hope new research and pressure …

South Dakota could soon follow steps taken by states like Utah, which recently approved a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Adobe Stock)

SD Plan to Ban Gender-Affirming Care Stokes Privacy Debate

South Dakota is once again locked in a debate over a bill concerning transgender youth. It seeks to ban gender-affirming care, with supporters …

Those behind a new report calling for a more robust behavioral health workforce say that, as with other professions, the pandemic has placed a lot of strain on provider networks around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Crisis: Report Offers Clues in Beefing Up Care Network

Most South Dakotans live in federally designated mental-health professional shortage areas, and a new report recommended steps Congress and other …

According to the National Institute of Justice, childhood abuse or neglect raises the chance of juvenile arrest by 59%. In South Dakota, advocates say that's why it's important to provide more mental health providers to children and young adults so they can avoid entering the juvenile justice system. (Adobe Stock)

Reducing Effects of Childhood Trauma Tied to SD's Juvenile-Justice Efforts

South Dakota has been looking at ways to improve the state's juvenile-justice system. Recommendations could be considered in the new legislative …

A number of arts programs for seniors involve painting on canvas. But community outreach leaders say something even simpler, such as doodling on a notepad, can help an older adult exercise the creative parts of their brain. (Adobe Stock)

Getting Crafty to Inspire Healthy Aging in SD

Winter is here, leaving many older South Dakotans vulnerable to social isolation. But a growing body of research, as well as opportunities, shows …

It's estimated that Medicaid expansion in South Dakota will provide coverage to an additional 42,000 people. (Adobe Stock)

SD Voters Approve Medicaid Expansion

South Dakota has joined the more than three dozen states to expand Medicaid. Those who supported the ballot initiative said it goes beyond standard …

Over the past year, several polls have indicated a majority of South Dakotans support Medicaid expansion. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Health Expert Discusses Medicaid Expansion in SD

In less than a week, South Dakota will learn whether voters support expanding Medicaid, where a researcher said approval would especially help tribal …

South Dakota has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, with 20 suicide deaths per 100,000 residents. (Adobe Stock).

Suicide Prevention Month: A Focus on Spotting Warning Signs

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Despite more public willingness to address the issue, mental-health advocates in South Dakota say …

An annual report measuring child well-being puts South Dakota in the bottom half of states in such areas as health, education and family/community. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health is Focus of New SD Child Well-Being Summary

A new report said South Dakota has made strides in the past decade to improve child well-being, but its authors say there are still plenty of …

In a recent national survey, roughly half of college students who responded conveyed symptoms of depression or anxiety. That's prompted calls for mental-health resources on campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Evaluating College Campuses on Suicide-Prevention Resources

The academic year is winding down for college students, and in South Dakota, some might notice a more responsive campus in terms of suicide …

States such as South Dakota have routinely debate bills in recent years viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ community. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

South Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to begin a new legislative session this week. Like previous years, bills surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

In a recent survey, nearly one in four U.S. teachers said they were likely to leave their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

SD Teacher: Fellow Educators Should Embrace Holiday Recharge

South Dakota schools now are in holiday break mode, and one teacher urges educators to use the time wisely to recharge their batteries during a …

In addition to abuse and neglect, a new study says economically disadvantaged children have a risk of premature death that is 1.9 times higher than other socioeconomic groups. (Adobe Stock)

Study Underscores SD Efforts to Minimize Impact of Child Abuse

PIERRE, S.D. -- A new study links premature deaths in adulthood with people who experience abuse as children, and South Dakota groups say it …

In 2019, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in South Dakota, but was the second leading cause among those ages 15 to 34. (Adobe Stock)

SD Suicide Numbers Concerning to Mental-Health Community

PIERRE, S.D. -- Suicide-prevention officials in South Dakota are reminding residents facing a mental-health crisis there are resources available…

South Dakota health officials have been gathering public feedback as they craft a medical marijuana program. (Adobe Stock)

Medical Marijuana Era Begins in SD

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, medical marijuana technically becomes legal in South Dakota. Supporters say there's still a long way to go for most patients to …

A recent study found 13% of family caregivers in the U.S. had taken on that role for the first time because of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Overwhelmed Caregivers in SD Can Call for Advice, Emotional Support

PIERRE, S.D. -- Family caregivers are considered among the many groups seeing continued stress as the U.S. recovers from the pandemic. Now, a pilot …

To be in compliance for an updated national suicide prevention line, South Dakota soon will require all residents to dial ten digits for local calls. (Adobe Stock)

SD: A Little Extra Phone Effort Will Help a Lot in Suicide Prevention

PIERRE, S.D. - While it might seem like a nuisance, a looming requirement for local phone calls in South Dakota is being phased in as part of a …

Mental health professionals say not only are many people feeling stress from the pandemic and the holidays, some are isolated from their loved ones out of fear of spreading COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

SD Keeps Mental-Health Program Going through the Holidays

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakotans who may be dealing with mental-health issues made worse by the pandemic can still make use of a special program…

Nationwide, according to a new report, one-third of adults with children are likely to have to leave their homes due to eviction or foreclosure as a result of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Crisis Weighs Heavily on SD Households with Kids

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The economic fallout from the pandemic is evident in a new report on the struggles of households with children. The findings …

As many as 75,000 Americans could die because of drug or alcohol misuse and suicide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study by Well Being Trust. (Adobe Stock)

Some Fear that Opioid Deaths Might Rebound During Pandemic

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The coronavirus pandemic has pushed unemployment rates in many states to record highs, and health policy groups worry it could …

Legislation under consideration at the South Dakota Capitol would criminalize doctors for providing gender transition treatment to children younger than age 16

SD Lawmakers Consider Restricting Medical Care for Transgender Youth

PIERRE, S.D. -- A South Dakota bill that would punish doctors who provide treatments for transgender youths is similar to others making their way …

Social isolation can have the same negative impact on an older adult's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to Dr. Sonja Rosen at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. (geralt/Pixabay)

Helping SD Seniors Avoid Social Isolation over Holidays

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Nearly half of adult Americans say they feel alone, according to research by the health care provider Cigna, and the …

South Dakota schools are required by law to have a bullying policy that defines the behavior and outlines procedure to report it. (geralt/Pixaby)

Bullying Gets the Boot in South Dakota Schools

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Bullying once was viewed as a childhood rite of passage, but now it is recognized as having lifelong implications for …

The South Dakota Legislature has so far rejected proposals to ban death sentences for people with serious mental illnesses. (worldcoalitionagainstthedeathpenalty.org)

Kahler v. Kansas Death Penalty Case Could Have Ramifications in SD

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling could impact a South Dakota case that shocked the Sioux Falls community in 2016…

Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and left untreated costs the economy $200 billion every year. (Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay)<br />

Making Mental Health a Safe Conversation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Studies show that more than 43 million Americans suffer from mental illness, but less than half - 43% - receive treatment…

A multidisciplinary team in Watertown is the first of five planned across South Dakota to provide outreach on the issues of child abuse and how to navigate the legal system. (Pixabay)

SD Crafts Strategic Plan to Eliminate Child Abuse

PIERRE, S.D. - Childhood trauma that includes emotional, physical or sexual abuse can cause huge life impacts, but these can be minimized through …

South Dakota's incarceration rate for drug offenses is lower than most states, but opioid-related deaths are on the rise. (pixabay)

Study Shows Long Prison Sentences Don't Dissuade Drug Users

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new, 50-state study finds that putting more people in jail for drug offenses doesn't reduce either drug use or overdose …

The suicide rate for Native Americans in South Dakota is two times higher than the rate for Caucasians. (helpguide.org)

South Dakota Creates Toolkit to Address Growing Suicide Rate

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota has created a new toolkit to provide communities with better resources to address the growing number of …

Of countries with at least 10 million people, only Yemen has more mass shootings per capita than the United States. (momsdemandaction.org)

"Moms Demand Action" Sees Surge of Gun-Control Supporters

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Standing room only is now the norm at meetings for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, following the school …

About 19,000 South Dakotans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease; another 2,000 will join those ranks by 2025. (alzfdn.org)

Dementia is Focus of Midwest Weekend Conference

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Midwest's largest meeting about dementia is happening this weekend. Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of …

Three people currently are on death row in South Dakota, but no execution dates have been set for them. (mprnews.org)

Death Penalty Revision to Be Heard at State Capitol

PIERRE, S.D. – The severely mentally ill would not be executed for committing a capital crime in South Dakota if a bill is passed by the state …

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SD: Mental Health