National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)
NVDRS is the only state-based anonymous surveillance system that covers all types of violent deaths. NVDRS collects information about the who, what, where, and how of violent deaths and provides insight into why they occurred. No personally identifiable information is collected in NVDRS web-based system. NVDRS started in 2002 and went nationwide in 2018.
South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS)
The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) received funding from CDC in 2018 to implement SD-VDRS. The first year of data collection started on January 1, 2019, which was a pilot year and focused on Minnehaha and Pennington counties. Statewide data collection started on January 1, 2020. The DOH continues to work with coroners and law enforcement agencies across the state to collect data and reduce the number of violent deaths in South Dakota.
SD-VDRS Data Sources:
- Death Certificates
- Coroner Reports
- Law Enforcement Reports
Violent Deaths Include:
- Suicides
- Homicides
- Undetermined Intent
- Unintentional Firearm
- Legal Intervention & Terrorism
Data Collected:
- Victim Demographics
- Injury and Death Information
- Circumstances (mental health, substance abuse, life stressors, etc.)
- Weapon and Suspect Information
- Toxicology Findings
What SD-VDRS Can Do:
- Guide state and local prevention efforts
- Identify emerging issues
- Educate our state and communities
Data Request Form: The Department of Health strives to make data available to community partners to inform the development of injury prevention strategies. For additional data needs not addressed in the currently available data reports, please complete the Injury and Overdose Data Request Form and send it to the contact listed.
SD Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS)
Violent Death Reporting System Data Report, 2023
The South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS) is a CDC-funded anonymous surveillance system that collects information on suicides, homicides, deaths of undetermined intent, unintentional firearm deaths, and legal intervention deaths in the state.
Violent Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
The 2023 South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS) report provides a snapshot of violent deaths statewide from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, there were 232 violent deaths, down from 260 in 2022. Suicides accounted for the vast majority—77%—of all violent deaths, with firearms involved in half of all cases.
Homicide Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
Between 2020 and 2023, South Dakota recorded 188 homicide deaths, with 2023 reporting the lowest number (39). American Indians experienced the highest homicide rate—18 times greater than White individuals—with 47% of all homicides involving firearms and over half of suspects having known relationships with their victims.
Suicide Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
From 2020 to 2023, suicide deaths in South Dakota declined from 193 to 179, with 50% involving firearms and 78% of decedents being male. American Indian individuals aged 20–29 experienced the highest suicide rate at 126.1 per 100,000, highlighting a critical disparity in age and race demographics.
Violent Death Reporting System Data Report, 2022
The South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS) is a CDC-funded anonymous surveillance system that collects information on suicides, homicides, deaths of undetermined intent, unintentional firearm deaths, and legal intervention deaths in the state.
Violent Death Reporting System Data Report, 2021
The South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS) is a CDC-funded anonymous surveillance system that collects information on suicides, homicides, deaths of undetermined intent, unintentional firearm deaths, and legal intervention deaths in the state.