PIERRE— The Department of Social Services (DSS) has opened a second round

of applications for the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program.

Through this grant program, South Dakota-based organizations are extended an opportunity to apply for funding assistance which they can use to provide direct services and support to populations affected by opioid overdose. Per the criteria of the grant program, applying agencies must demonstrate that they are serving local South Dakota communities. 

“Opioid-related deaths are preventable,” DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff said. “These grants seek to end the devastating impacts that opioid misuse has on persons, families, and communities. By making the settlement funds available to local groups, DSS believes that we can reverse this regrettable phenomenon by creating greater awareness and broadening understandings across South Dakota households. Coupled with the unique familiarity with the local community in which the efforts are being implemented which applicants possess, DSS is confident that the settlement funds are being put to good use.”

South Dakota has led the nation for largest decrease in overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These grants present the opportunity to build on that momentum.

The program is funded through the National Opioid Settlement Agreement involving Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and a Bankruptcy Resolution concerning Purdue Pharma, L.P. During the 2022 Legislative Session, HB 1038 appropriated these funds to the Department of Social Services for disbursement to address opioid use and misuse within the State. DSS’s Division of Behavioral Health manages the program.

Of the 31 applications received in the first round of community grants, 12 organizations were selected and have been awarded funding. These one-time grant awards ranged from $10,000 to $79,000 for a total of $375,259. Awards went to fund staffing and community training, housing assistance, the purchase of equipment, and the expansion of curriculum resources. A full listing of grant awards can be found at https://dss.sd.gov/docs/behavioralhealth/grantinfo/Fall_2023.pdf

“The drug landscape in South Dakota has changed dramatically over the years. Many drugs are far more concentrated and dangerous than they were in the past,” said DSS Chief of Behavioral Health Tiffany Wolfgang. “Counterfeit pills are now being mixed with fentanyl, xylazine, or other drugs like heroin and methamphetamine. The danger is real, and local assistance is needed to assist in combating the opioid epidemic within South Dakota communities.”

To access information about the National Opioid Settlement and the SD Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program, visit: https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/grantinfo.aspx. The application for the second round begins March 1 and closes April 1  at 5:00 pm (CST).

Resources:

Avoidopioidsd.com

-30-

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.