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Behavioral Health

Increasing access to behavioral health care supports the mental health of every patient in our region.

Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow

People in need of behavioral health assistance can find themselves in a dark and lonely place. With your compassion and generosity, the Avera Foundation is making it more possible for mental health patients to get the care they need.

The work of our health ministry would not be complete without behavioral health services. Our reputation in the region as a leader in this space speaks for itself. Over the years, the Avera Foundation has contributed to the growth of behavioral health services including:

24/7 behavioral health urgent care
Expansion of inpatient beds for youth, adults and seniors
Partial hospitalization services for youth and adults
Residential addiction care for youth
Suicide prevention public service campaigns

Helmsley Behavioral Health Center

As a wing of the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital, this four-story facility fulfills community mental health needs in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. This center would not have been possible without the transformational gift from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, which included a match to donations as part of Light the Way by the Avera Foundation.

Ask the Question

As an initiative funded by donations to the Avera Foundation, this public service campaign brings forward our belief that every life is valuable and anyone can make a difference.

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How Donating Works

With each gift, we continue to the healing ministry of Jesus, making a profound difference in the lives of many. Individuals, organizations or corporate partners have a range of options to give. You may direct your gift toward your local hospital or a certain area of care.

Light the Way for Preventing Suicide

Generous supporters of the Light the Way campaign helped make suicide prevention materials and efforts possible. Individuals can find the help they need, whether it’s through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, urgent care or education.

Donor gifts are doubled thanks to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Rural Access to Behavioral Health Care

A mental health crisis can happen to anyone. Our efforts help to ensure that high-quality behavioral health care is more widely available. With access being particularly needed in rural counties throughout our region, primary care visits commonly include a mental health component.

Behavioral Health Care Expansion in Aberdeen

Avera Foundation was instrumental in partnering locally with Dakotah Bank and community members to help fund expansion of the behavioral health unit at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. The unit reopened in fall 2025 and now has 18 private rooms for adults needing high-quality behavioral health services and for crisis stabilization for adolescents.

Caring for Life Fund for Emergency Response

The Caring for Life fund covers needs such as transportation costs for out-of-town patients, housing for patients, meals, counseling or intervention services for families with behavioral health struggles and other just-in-time needs for patients and families.

More Focus Areas

Women & Children Our commitment to improving the health of women, children and families is stronger than ever, now and into the future.

Cancer Care Patients receiving vital care at the Avera Cancer Institute and their families have access to financial and emotional support.

Employee Giving Employees give back to the people and the causes that matter most to them in the communities where they live and work.

Hospice Care Supporting people going through the final stages of life’s journey with a financial gift is a great way to leave a legacy.

Support Community Health

Donating to local health services is a wonderful way to help others in your community. Discover where to give in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota.

Where to Give

Our Stories

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Make a Difference

Join us in extending, enriching and enhancing life for patients, residents and their loved ones. Search for a cause or reach out for more information.

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