Authorities investigating meth at state mental hospital

Authorities in Yankton say they are investigating an incident in which methamphetamine was brought in the state mental health hospital.

Yankton County Sheriff Jim Vlahakis said they received a call from the Human Services Center Tuesday at 4:35 p.m. about a patient who had been using methamphetamine.

The case is under investigation, Vlahakis said.

The Department of Social Services, which oversees the state hospital, declined to comment on the incident or say how the drug made it into the hospital.

An Argus Leader Media investigation earlier this year revealed a rise in patient violence against employees at the state-run hospital, which has struggled to hire and retain workers.

Investigative story into the Human Services Center in Yankton from Argus Leader Media