As of 2025, 17.5% of people living in South Dakota have reported experiencing substance abuse. That is almost 40,000 people, most of whom struggle to find the type and level of help they require. For behavioral health issues in South Dakota, there is a need for increased specialized health care, and The Link is here in Sioux Falls to fill the gap.
In the past, people who were found intoxicated were usually taken to emergency departments or jail, often facing criminal charges and occupying hospital beds needed for people with acute medical emergencies. There was a gap in care options for people with substance use disorder (SUD), such as alcohol and drug addictions, leading many of them to avoid seeking care at all for fear of incarceration or charges. Recognizing this gap in health care, the City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Avera Health and Sanford Health have partnered to create The Link.
Established in 2021, The Link is a community triage center in downtown Sioux Falls that aims to help people struggling with SUD or nonviolent mental health issues and provide a safe and easy entry point into the behavioral health system.
“Our mission is to empower individuals to seek care and provide a link to the services that will help them thrive,” said Natasha Sundet, the current director of The Link.
The establishment is open 24 hours a day; no appointment is needed. Individuals usually stay three to five days and are medically supported and worked with by staff to ease the transition to a treatment facility, if they wish. The Link also provides a safe short-term place for the intoxicated with 11 sobering beds. Intoxicated patients usually stay around six hours, and the beds are an alternative to an emergency room, jail or the street. Patients receive clean clothes upon arrival and their original clothes are laundered. In addition, they are offered safe rest, food, a shower and a talk with staff about support needs or treatment options.
By creating an environment centered on safety, respect and compassion, the Link can meet each patient where they are and focus on their unique needs to take the first step towards healing.
“[The Link’s] role is to ensure individuals receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting,” said Sundet.
The Link provides care to adults of any age. Many children and young adults know someone who is affected by SUD or mental health disorders, whether a family member, friend or trusted adult. Attaining knowledge of The Link and its services is a powerful tool to support and care for the community of Sioux Falls.
“By increasing awareness of The Link, youth gain confidence in knowing where to refer someone in crisis,” said Sundet.
Awareness is the first step to action. The Link is a resource available to anyone who needs support through mental health and substance abuse, and a place where that first action step can be taken in the right direction towards a community of healing.
