The Dell Rapids Connections group continued work started by a Dell Rapids student early this year.  The group sponsored a mental health and suicide prevention presentation on Monday, November 20th.  The presentation included two speakers.  Angela Drake from Tea and Tod Lacey from Dell Rapids both spoke during the “Talk Saves Lives” presentation.  Both speakers are parents who have lost a child to suicide.

The presentation was held for students and parents throughout the day.  Students saw the presentation in the afternoon during their school day.  Parents were invited to a supper meal provided by the Dell Rapids Connections group and heard the presentation Monday evening at the Dell Rapids Middle School commons area.

The Dell Rapids Connections group sponsored the event in an effort to continue the work started by Sydney LaCoursiere.  LaCoursiere put together an event in October during the Dell Rapids vs Flandreau football game.  A total of 112 luminary bags were placed around the football field and fans attending the game were given a flier that talked about mental heath issues.  Her desire to get awareness out to the public is due the number of suicides the Dell Rapids community has faced over the last 10 years.

Parents can find more information and resources at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.