Brookings County Mental Health Coalition

Brookings Area United Way in partnership with the Brookings County Mental Health Coalition and Resilient Communities initiative hosted the Brookings County 2025 Stronger Together: Building Assets in Brookings County, A Day for Suicide Prevention February 19th, 2025 at the Dacotah Bank Center.

In May 2025, for Mental Health Awareness Month, Brookings Area United Way partnered with the Brookings County Mental Health Coalition to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through a community yard sign initiative. Yard signs were distributed across Brookings County to raise awareness, spark conversations, and remind residents that help is always available—24/7—by calling or texting 988. This simple yet powerful effort aimed to make mental health support visible and accessible to all.

On September 18, the Brookings Area United Way team joined the community for Chalk the Walk 2025, a statewide event held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With colorful chalk and hopeful hearts, the team created a message outside their office at 908 Hope Drive that read, “The World Needs You.”

This simple yet powerful reminder aims to spread kindness, encourage connection, and let every passerby know that their life matters. By participating in Chalk the Walk, United Way joins partners and residents across Brookings County in uplifting others and sharing the message that no one is alone and help and hope are always within reach.