Social Services Launches Notes To Self Campaign
Social Services Launches Notes To Self Campaign
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and in an effort to raise awareness and eliminate stigmas surrounding behavioral health concerns, the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) Division of Behavioral Health launched a marketing campaign titled Notes to Self. The campaign also aims to emphasize the roles we can all take in prevention and early intervention.
“We South Dakotans tend to take pride in being ‘tough’ and ‘resilient.’ However, we want people to know that they aren’t alone in whatever struggles they might be facing,” said Matt Althoff, DSS cabinet secretary. “Our team is working tirelessly each day to help South Dakotans in need. This campaign, which gathered market research from South Dakotans, aims to reach citizens in every corner of our state and target particular demographics where suicide has been more prevalent.”
The campaign will educate residents and promote resources available to help those in need. The launch of the campaign coincides with the Second Annual Suicide Prevention Conference hosted by the DDS, Division of Behavioral Health, in partnership with other state agencies. These Notes to Self advertisements will focus on the existence of behavioral health needs in our communities and the resources available to all who are experiencing them.
“With this campaign, we’re encouraging South Dakotans to offer help to others through small actions, words, gestures and acts of care,” said Jennifer Humphrey, strategic initiatives program specialist with the department. “We are hopeful that this genuine type of outreach can work for both prevention messaging and help those who need it during times of crisis.”
Those experiencing mental-health-related distress are encouraged to call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which provides access to trained crisis specialists.
