It takes the support of many to stay engaged in the recovery process.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Behavioral Health Recovery Month. First responders, healthcare workers, community leaders, and advocates helping to support recovery are being recognized for their efforts.
“Behavioral Health Recovery Month is a celebration of the strides, great and small, taken by those who continue in their journey of recovery from mental health and substance use disorders,” said Department of Social Services (DSS) Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff. “Behavioral health is an important part of our overall health. Through prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, people can, and do achieve a restored life.”
In FY2023, through funding from DSS, 16,737 South Dakotans received treatment for a mental health disorder, and 11,552 received treatment for a substance use disorder.
“With the help of others, recovery is possible. Therefore, the Department’s efforts focus on encouraging individuals to normalize their conversation around behavioral health challenges”, Althoff said. “By reducing stigma, we increase the likelihood that persons, with the support of others, will remain engaged in treatment and achieve their recovery goals. Recovery, much like life itself, is a journey, not a destination.”
Through the Division of Behavioral Health’s “Notes to Self” campaign, South Dakotans are being reminded that their support, their efforts to let people know that they care, and assistance to those who may not be able to persevere in recovery on their own do make a difference.
To learn more about behavioral health resources and how to support someone, visit SDBehavioralHealth.gov.
