Pennington County Mental Illness and Review Board looking for applicants [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – It can be one of the most stressful things a person can go through, getting legal guardianship for a loved one suffering from a mental health emergency.

The Mental Illness and Review Board in Pennington County is responsible for making that decision and they are looking for more applicants to sit on the board.

When a person is faced with a crisis that threatens the safety of themselves or others, the family of that person can start what’s called an “emergency petition.” This is usually for guardianship of the person suffering or to seek some form of treatment.

For guardianship or treatment to be granted, the Mental Illness and Review Board must determine whether that person meets the criteria for care. The board only allows people to serve for two, three-year terms, prompting the need for more applicants.

”Anyone that has a family member in …