This article is from Beadle County Survivors and contains references to suicide in an educational manner to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness month.

Nonprofit organizations are comprised of many socioeconomic statuses. They already have their challenges, and with an emotionally charged and sensitive subject as suicide, it can be even more compounded by stigmatizing struggles. Fluency in appropriate messaging requires compassion and confidentiality. Community education and awareness training strategies are effective to aid in understanding these tragedies that occur and impact not only the immediate families but the entire community. 

Some may wonder why we even organize grassroots committees for mental health and perhaps believe it should be left to the professionals. Advocacy to seek professional care is also imperative. However, the legwork of these grassroots groups within community interaction can lead to evidence-based outcomes. They can be instrumental in developing research for the social needs of a community and in engaging as supplemental support through education. 

There are no foolproof formulas to stop someone with suicidal ideology from potentially dying by suicide. Our only recourse is guidelines based on research. Therefore, within ethical arrangements, it’s becoming more common for collaboration between grassroots projects and the medical community. The work of these organizations can even be adopted as an extension of other professional development by way of agreements with the Department of Health and Human Services and other entities - leaving it not just to the mental health workers but pulling in the open minds of all community members to be better-versed on warning signs of someone in a mental health crisis and direct them to the proper resources they need. We are all gatekeepers and should do our part in educating ourselves with positive information to help prevent these tragedies.

There are many ways to become involved. For instance, in May of 2023, there was a “Postvention” event facilitated through SD Helpline programs. It was held at the Huron Campus Center. Like-minded attendees wishing to enhance and further their knowledge signed on to conceptualize what may be helpful for Huron. Clinical Director Jessica Baum with Community Counseling Services (CCS) recognized the need to initiate a community advocacy panel to create more suicide prevention awareness. This advocacy group, represented by professional clinicians, NAMI, AFSP, faith leaders, United Way, and families experiencing suicide loss, began meeting in the HRMC boardroom under the name “Huron Cares.” The group had genuine intentions, evolving plans, and a mission statement. Eventually, with the hospitality and dedication of Beadle County Survivors member Pastor Mark Nassen, the group migrated its meetings to Hope Lutheran Church on Frank Ave. in Huron, and it began to grow. 

Although not a grief support group per se, the community is welcome to attend this advocacy group every third Monday of the month from noon to 1 p.m.

Most recently, in hopes of expanding into more of our rural surrounding areas, Huron Cares decided to merge with a successful 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit group called Beadle County Survivors (BCS), led by Jade Gilchrist. The combined effort is budding into a productive program. Of course, with so many ideas, it can lead to”growing pains,” but the two groups in tandem as one are becoming quite cohesive with clear community objectives. 

Local suicide incidents are difficult for the group, too, and we need time to process the shock and grief just the same as everyone else. Sometimes, it impacts our own homes or hits too close to home, losing friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers. We must “bounce back” with resiliency. We are the survivors...and we must continue our advocacy to try to help in some way, for to lose sight of our purpose overshadows the fact that in the United States, there’s a suicide every 11 minutes. And S.D. is not immune to the increasing numbers.

Beadle County Survivors (BCS) is somewhat of an educational garden in bloom. Through community collaboration, a lot of work is coming to fruition. There have been successful events such as partnering with a student from Iroquois and Huron Luxury Cinemas to feature a mental health documentary titled “My Ascension,” to Poker Run Memorials, Raffle Fundraisers, and setting up resource tables with other community events. 

The groups’ projected plans for implementation of a peer-led program in the Huron Schools have been tabled, and are being evaluated with ongoing conversations as they review their suicide response plans with 988/211 resources. The whole group is grateful for the positive dialogue with school administrators. BCS member Jen Bragg of United Way stated, “This doesn’t close the door on the concept. We look forward to working with the school district in the future, and any other group that wants to help us further our mission of outreach”. 

In collaboration with BCS, member Kelsi Stricherz, a local licensed counselor with True Reflections, will be heading up a “Day of Hope,” an educational event on May 19 for high school students. It is designed to ease the stereotypes about clinical settings and to quell the shame associated with asking for help professionally. It will be a safe zone to set up students with information prior to dismissal for summer break.

“Bounce Back Day” to share resiliency is in the planning stages for Saturday, June 28. It will be a family event with activities and food at Campbell Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. That day, Huron Public Library will host as a community-wide suicide prevention training from 12-2 p.m. QPR, or Question, Persuade, Refer, is a 2-hour-long session conducted by Helpline Services that teaches how to recognize warning signals of suicide.

We are doing everything we possibly can! BCS also welcomes experts from outside the community, and hopes for more guest speakers. Last February, Dr. Val Farmer, a retired clinical psychologist of 38 years and syndicated journalist with a focus on rural mental health, joined the group via Zoom. Whether a struggling farm family or a teen in crisis, his insight about how we all need a trusted confidant in our lives resonated with many.

Exploration of ways to curb suicide in our area is ongoing. In the past, it was classified as a crime to attempt to carry out a suicide. Pilot programs are in development in S.D., and “ride-alongs”  with qualified persons accompanying law enforcement are being considered.

We cannot take the risk of rewinding the efforts for this cause. To go backwards and unravel the decades of work to reduce the stigma of mental illness is harmful, especially by reducing funds for suicide prevention programs with the highest risk populations. Historically, in one of the cruelest times, some referred to those considered different as the “Undesirables of our society,” and assumed that they had nothing to contribute. A “bully” mentality and a lack of common sense pushed work towards the exclusion of “others.” No human being should be subjected to such emotional mistreatment. Furthermore, the stress of uncertainty of needed financial assistance programs for medical care adds to emotional flux, as only considering those with societal privilege “worthy” is unhealthy physically and mentally. 

Grassroots suicide prevention programs can take a stand on behalf of those with hardships, which can increase depression through adversity.

Plastering one’s Facebook page with feel-good memes is useless if we don’t practice that same kindness towards others. The human mind is fragile. Suicide is devastating, and healing beyond that may be a lifelong process. We survive and find joy and laughter again. Storms pass, and the sun rises the next day. If we keep faith and hope alive and have a confidant to talk to along with a grassroots advocacy group on your side, that positive cultivation can bring many gardens of happiness. 

Beadle County Survivors is a non-profit group promoting mental wellness.