South Dakota legislative committees heard last week that the state will set a record for suicides in 2017. State Epidemiologist Dr Josh Clayton told the Health and Human Services Committees in the House and Senate that while they are finalizing the final numbers, it will exceed the previous record of one hundred seventy three set in 2015.
Health Department Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon says they are developing responses……
Malsam-Rysdon says they recognize suicide as a public health issue…….
Malsam-Rysdon told lawmakers it will take more than government action…..
The state ranked thirteenth nationally for the rate of suicide in 2016. Five of the most affected counties have majority native populations. (Buffalo, Corson, Dewey, Oglala-Lakota & Todd)
