South Dakota identifies 8 counties that saw high suicide rates in 2020

South Dakota leaders have identified eight counties since 2021 experiencing high rates of suicide.

And in an effort to address what Gov. Kristi Noem called a growing public health issue, her office has announced a statewide suicide prevention conference this week, according to a release from the governor's office.

Those high risks counties include Brookings, Codington, Todd, Charles Mix, Davison, Brown, Bennett and Ogalala Lakota, according to an action group that was formed from five-agency taskforce in 2019 to develop a statewide plan for suicide prevention.

More: South Dakota, nation implementing 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Here's how it will work.

'Start the Conversation,' to be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, will provide people access to training and resources for suicide prevention in the state. The conference is free to attend and goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, according to the event's website.

Featured speakers include Keith Hotle, the chief program officer at Stop Solider Suicide, and Heather Ayn Indelicato, a psychologist specializing in tribal communities.

Efforts have been made to provide the communities with assistance in areas like healthcare, behavioral health, school counseling and community supports.

Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the state and 12th leading cause of death nationally in 2020.

Those in crisis can call 988 or visit to the BeThe1SD.com for resources and support.

Follow Annie Todd on Twitter @AnnieTodd96. Reach out to her with tips, questions and other community news at atodd@argusleader.com or give her a call at 605-215-3757.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota identifies 8 counties seeing high suicide rates