PIERRE— The Department of Social Services (DSS) has opened the next cycle of applications for the Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program, offering South Dakota based organizations the opportunity to apply for funding assistance to aid localized opioid abatement efforts.   

The Opioid Settlement Community Grant Program was established in 2023 accessing funds from DSS’ Statewide Share received through the National Opioid Settlement involving Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, and a Bankruptcy Resolution concerning Purdue Pharma, L.P. Since October 2023, 23 South Dakota-based organizations have received a combined total of more than $737,000 in settlement funding to abate and alleviate the impact of the opioid crisis in South Dakota communities. Programs funded include staff and community training, housing assistance, purchasing of equipment, and curriculum expansion. A full listing of grant awards can be found at https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/grantinfo.aspx.

"Misuse and abuse of opioids can level profoundly negative impacts on families and communities across South Dakota," said Department of Social Services Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff. "As a result, this next cycle of grant funding aligns with the Department’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness to opioid-associated harms and to ensure resources are in place to support individuals and families struggling in the very communities where they live. By providing settlement monies to community-based organizations, the Department aims to empower them to deliver vital services and accompany persons affected by opioid use disorder. We invite the applications of eligible organizations with the hope they might join us in this ongoing effort to reduce opioid misuse in our state."

To access information about the National Opioid Settlement and the Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program, visit: https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/grantinfo.aspx. The application cycle began November 4 and closes January 10, 2025 at 5:00 pm (CST).

Resources:

Avoidopioidsd.com

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The South Dakota Department of Social Services is dedicated to strengthening families to foster health, wellbeing, and independence. For more information, please visit dss.sd.gov.