FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, April 25, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: emily.richardt@state.sd.us or 605.228.7201

Agencies Partner to Offer Anonymous Naloxone Distribution Methods to South Dakotans

SIOUX FALLS – The State of South Dakota has begun a new initiative through a partnership with Emily’s Hope that will provide naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdose, to South Dakotans through anonymous distribution.

While naloxone kits have been available for several years through health providers, first responders, treatment centers, pharmacies, businesses and even by ordering online, the Attorney General’s Office, the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) are expanding the initiative to distribute 20,000 kits statewide.

“Too many families have been impacted by overdose deaths,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “We must all work together to address this tragedy.”

The initiative, which is being delivered by Emily’s Hope, supported by the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund, and supplied by TEVA Pharmaceuticals as well as kits procured through the State Opioid Response grant, will include distribution boxes in high-traffic areas across the state. The kits are free. Placement of naloxone boxes will be aligned with the State’s data-driven naloxone saturation efforts, in collaboration with DSS and DOH, and prioritizing locations statewide with higher rates of overdoses. Visit LetsBeClearSD.com to find out more information.

“Naloxone saves lives. Across the nation, overdose deaths have dropped by 24%, in part thanks to increased naloxone distribution," said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. " We believe this effort will make a dramatic difference in preventing unnecessary deaths in our communities."

Naloxone is a safe medication that quickly restores normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription pain medications.

“DSS and DOH have leveraged their public health data and their relationships with providers to provide naloxone kits to South Dakotans. This anonymous distribution method will provide an extra level of access, particularly to those who might struggle with substance use quietly and who might feel afraid to disclose that struggle to others,” DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff said. “We are grateful for the collaboration that allows us to expand access to this life-saving resource.”

Since 2018, more than 13,700 naloxone kits have been distributed throughout the state, according to numbers kept by DSS’s Behavioral Health Division. EMS service units have reported that 1,640 individuals have had an improved condition following naloxone administration in that same time period.

“At the DOH, we believe saving lives starts with access,” Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt said. “This anonymous partnership expands naloxone availability, so every South Dakotan has a chance to be part of the solution. It reflects our commitment to prevention and to building healthier, stronger communities across the state.”

Current distribution boxes are located at the following locations:

• Sioux Falls:
  • Jones421 Market – 421 N Phillips Ave
  • Falls Community Health – 521 N Main Ave
  • Tires, Tires, Tires – 2317 S Minnesota Ave
  • Tires, Tires, Tires – 1720 S St Michaels Cir
  • Face It Together – 5020 S. Tennis Lane #4
  • Sanford USD Medical Center – Main Lobby and Emergency Department
• Rapid City:
  • Project Recovery – 625 Flormann St
• Vermillion:
  • Pump ‘n Pak – 629 Stanford St
• Pierre:
  • Capital Area Counseling Service – 2001 Eastgate Ave

Businesses and organizations can request a box to place near AEDs or distribute at https://airtable.com/appPcDgbujBiTblWD/pagzmlYivGm7KI8ov/form

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