PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) will host Suicide Prevention Trainings for Faith Leaders in Sioux Falls on April 25, 2023, and in Rapid City on April 27, 2023. Thanks to contributions by Avera Health and Monument Health, the events will be hosted at the Washington Pavilion and The Monument.
The trainings are free to attend. DANR encourages clergy, spiritual and faith leaders including chaplains, elders, deacons, sisters, youth pastors, parish nurses, church board members, church staff, and congregational suicide prevention advocates to consider participating. Pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit https://danr.sd.gov/AboutDANR/SuicidePrevention.aspx.
“Faith and agriculture are the foundation of South Dakota, and our faith leaders know the hearts and minds of our producers better than anyone,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. These trainings will equip faith leaders with the resources they need to prevent suicide and effectively minister to their congregations.”
The trainings will:
- Increase rural faith leaders’ understanding about suicide and how they can help farmers and ranchers in their community
- Connect faith leaders with state government and nonprofit resources that will help their communities prevent suicide
- Help faith leaders provide care and support to those affected by suicide to promote healing and prevent further suicides
DANR is looking for partners to help promote these trainings to faith leaders around the state. If you are interested in promotional materials and sharing information about the events, please contact Brian Pontious at brian.pontious@state.sd.us. The agenda will be identical for both locations. This event is funded with support by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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