A new partnership is aiming to fight drug overdose deaths across South Dakota.
The partnership includes the attorney general’s office, the state departments of social services and health, and the nonprofit Emily’s Hope.
They’re aiming to distribute 20,000 naloxone kits across the state. Naloxone is a medication used to counter overdoses caused by opioids like fentanyl.
“In South Dakota, we find solutions. I deeply appreciate Emily’s Hope and other nonprofits willingness to step up preventative efforts to save lives from fentanyl overdoses,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley.
Groups or businesses interested in helping distribute naloxone kits can do so by contacting Emily’s Hope.
“Time is of the essence during opioid overdoses, and Naloxone is the fire extinguisher of the opioid crisis,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “This partnership will help make this medication more accessible to those who need it.”
Jackley said the distribution of these kits is funded by the state's opioid settlement and is supplied by TEVA Pharmaceuticals.