PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- On Tuesday, the Mental Health Task Force held a meeting in Pierre. Legislators on the Mental Health Services Delivery Task Force of the South Dakota legislature support joining the national “988” suicide hotline as part of their recommendations.  District 3 Representative was among the legislators.

Perry reminded his fellow colleagues that September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Perry asked the Divison of Behavorial Health Services Director Tiffany Wolfgang about the answer rate of callers.

Perry asked Wolfgang about what is lifeline best practices.

Another issue to try to improve mental health services is lack of nurse care, Perry asked the Divison of Behavorial Health Services Chief Laura Ringling ways to hire & retain nurses for mental health facilities.

Perry then asked the Human Services Center, Jeremy Johnson his opinion on how to improve mental health.

Perry express the biggest issues going forward concerning mental health in South Dakota.