Sioux Falls, South Dakota: The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust today announced a $500,000 gift to Link, the community triage center being built in downtown Sioux Falls that will offer assistance and serve as a first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health care or addiction counseling. Link is a partnership of the City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Avera Health and Sanford Health.

“As our city grows, so does the need for mental health and addiction services in our community. The Helmsley Charitable Trust has a track record of showing commitment to such work, and I am extremely grateful for their investment in Link. These dollars will be critical in helping to ensure that we will be able to care for people when they are in crisis,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken, who serves as Chair of the Link triage center board.

“The services offered by the Link triage center are vital to the overall health of our communities during these trying times and beyond,” said Walter Panzirer, a Helmsley trustee. “Getting people on the path to wellness from a behavioral health and substance use standpoint is more important than ever. Helmsley is proud to support this effort that will serve our area for many years to come.”

Funds from The Helmsley Charitable Trust will be used to defray construction costs. The former City Annex building at 132 North Dakota Avenue will be renovated to create a safe location where people experiencing a nonviolent behavioral health crisis or needing care for substance or alcohol abuse can access immediate treatment and referral to support services.

“This generous donation from The Helmsley Charitable Trust will take us one step closer to making Link a reality and providing a place for residents to access valuable treatment and support services,” TenHaken said.

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About the Helmsley Charitable Trust

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning its active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $2.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes.

Contact:

BryAnn Becker Knecht, Mayor’s Office, 605-367-8802