Grant funding is being made available to Avera McKennan Behavioral Health Services and Catholic Family Services to conduct the Strengthening Family Relationships Pilot Project, which will provide outreach to farm families in targeted communities who have requested assistance with mental health needs. Therapists will provide in-home counseling services with the primary purpose of strengthening family relationships and communications styles, while learning new coping behaviors to manage the stressors as they continue to occur. Mike Tucker, Minot, North Dakota, was the winner in the drawing for the 2001 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Mike's name was drawn at midnight on August 11th in Sturgis, South Dakota. As people are continuing to live longer lives due to modern medicine, more people eventually will require caregiving to some extent.
Caregivers experience a unique set of challenges.
Whether caring for a disabled child, and aging parent or even a spouse, caregiving presents situations and responsibilities that can be very trying. The AgrAbility Project, a cooperative effort of Easter Seals South Dakota, SDSU, and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, is sponsoring the third annual Caregiver's Conference April 27-28 in Pierre. The conference will inform participants on the social service programs that are available, eligibility requirements, and how to access services. There will be opportunities for networking with others who face similar challenges. Conference presenters will encourage caregivers to consider their own health while caring for others.