4 months ago
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- A three-digit number that connects people with life-saving resources is turned two years old Tuesday.
James Swezey is one the voices people may hear on the other end of the line when they call 988.
The 988 training & quality assurance manager says thoughts of suicide are one of the top reasons people call in.
"But a lot of it is also relationship problems, family problems, seem to be a very high percentage as well as anxiety is another big reason," Swezey said.
Over the past two years, the Helpline Center has received more than 20,000 calls, texts, and chats through 988.
"We've had a wonderful response over those two years. We started with about 500 calls a month when we first launched and now we're up to over 1,000 contacts a month," Helpline Center CEO Janet Kittams said.
Kittams says 988 counselors have connected with people in every county in the state.
"We've had children contact us all the way up to people in their 80s and 90s, so truly the 988 service is for anyone in South Dakota," Kittams said.
With two years down, the staff is ready to keep answering the call for ...
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