SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Saturday morning marked the Helpline Center’s 13th annual Step Forward to Prevent Suicide event. Saturday morning also kicked off Pride with a parade on 8th Street Sioux Falls and the Pride Festival at Sioux Falls Stadium to follow. Both events drew crowds to downtown Sioux Falls. While the events had many differences, at the core of both gatherings was letting people know they are seen and loved.
The Sioux Falls Pride celebration focussed on acceptance and support for the LGBTQ community. The Helpline Center remembered loved ones lost to suicide in a ceremony and a walk along the river and raised awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
The Helpline Center CEO Janet Kittams said it’s important to raise awareness for the mental health of those in the LGBTQ community because they are four times more likely to be at risk of suicide.
“Our events have always been on the same Saturday, which actually works out really well,” Kittams explained. “We actually have a booth over at the Pride festival. It’s so important and also rewarding to make sure that we can be there when a person’s in their darkest moments or when they’re struggling and to let them know that somebody cares and we want to listen. We want to support and we want to help.”
Founder and President of the Sioux Empire Pride Sports Association (SEPSA), Robert Burandt said that one of the best ways to help members of the LGBTQ community dealing with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues is to provide a place to belong. This was one of the main reasons why SEPSA was formed.
“When it comes to mental health, we don’t have enough spaces to be who we really are and it just gives you that sense of community that you belong somewhere and you have a space to feel like ‘I am welcomed here, I’m safe here, I can be myself here,’ “ said Burandt.
The Helpline Center exceeded its goal in raising $60,000 for its Suicide and Crisis program.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, the Helpline Center has trained staff to talk to on their suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 24/7.
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