The Link Fills Service Gaps, Hires Project Director in 2025

The Link was created and is funded through a collaborative partnership between the City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Avera Health and Sanford Health. It was created to address service gaps by providing access to immediate treatment and referrals to support resources, which has helped ease the strain on local emergency departments and county jails. 

"The Link was created to fill critical gaps in our community and ensure that people in crisis receive the care and compassion they deserve,” Mayor Paul TenHaken said. “The Link team has done an incredible job creating an environment where providers can meet people where they are and address their unique needs. Over the past five years, The Link has become an important community resource.” 

In addition to providing urgent care for nonviolent behavioral health crises, The Link provides detox and sobering services, short-term treatment for substance or alcohol addiction, case management, and referrals to other services for mental health or substance use disorder treatment. 

Key highlights from 2025 include: 

• 3,630 triages completed, up 258 from 2024.
• More than 2,000 individuals who sought assistance at The Link self-reported they otherwise would not have sought help elsewhere.
• 943 jail bookings avoided, reducing strain on the Minnehaha County Jail.
• 689 referrals from emergency departments, freeing up hospital beds for other patients. 
• 70% of individuals served were unsheltered, underscoring the center’s role in supporting vulnerable populations.
• 157 people referred to inpatient treatment by Southeastern Behavioral Health, which partners with The Link to conduct all substance use and mental health assessments for individuals seeking help.  

Additionally, in 2025, The Link received its third accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Surveyors praised the strong engagement of community partners, including the city, county, law enforcement, and Southeastern Behavioral Health.  

Last year, The Link’s board of directors created and hired for a new role, project director, that will lead the center’s strategies for long-term financial stability and restructure its board of directors. Jason Lemke was hired as project director in December and brings with him 25 years of experience in building community partnerships, fundraising and organizational development, administration and management. 

“I’m humbled and excited to join the team and continue The Link’s mission of being a lifeline to our community’s most vulnerable residents,” Lemke said. 

The Link is open 24 hours a day and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 605-275-1000 or visit linksf.org.