PIERRE— The Department of Social Services (DSS) recently launched the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program, offering South Dakota based organizations the opportunity to apply for funding assistance to provide direct services and support to populations affected by opioid overdose within South Dakota communities.  

“Opioid-related deaths can be prevented,” Said DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff. “The SD Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program is intended to actively combat the devastating impacts that opioid misuse can have. By making the settlement funds available to local groups, we believe that we will reverse this avoidable trend through greater awareness and understanding coupled with familiarity with the local community in which the efforts are being implemented.”

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. The DSS Division of Behavioral Health will be managing the program.

“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.

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.