Project Grant H79FG001499

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $1,092,343 to Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board on September 30, 2026, under the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs (CFDA 93.00R) to strengthen South Dakota's crisis response system for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The project will increase awareness, accessibility, and utilization of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline among AI/AN populations across all of South Dakota, including the state's nine federally recognized tribal nations and AI/AN residents in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. South Dakota's approximately 93,443 AI/AN residents represent 10.5 percent of the state population and experience disproportionately high rates of suicide, self-harm, and substance use disorders alongside significant barriers to crisis services including geographic isolation, transportation challenges, provider shortages, and limited awareness of 988.

The recipient will strengthen crisis response coordination through collaboration with tribal nations, the 988 Lifeline Center, urban Indian organizations, and community partners; expand and improve referral pathways; and increase community awareness of 988 services available by call, text, and chat. The initiative prioritizes youth and young adults, who account for a disproportionate share of AI/AN suicide deaths in the state, and will also serve AI/AN children, adults, and elders living both on and off tribal lands experiencing mental health crises, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and other behavioral health challenges.

Performance runs through September 29, 2029, with place of performance at Rapid City, South Dakota.