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Emily's Hope opening several West River Narcan distribution boxes

SDPB

Emily’s Hope, a nonprofit combatting the opioid crisis by distributing naloxone kits, is expanding its footprint West River.

Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, is used to treat drug overdoses. Emily’s Hope organizers say the organization aims to save lives by making the kits as accessible as possible.

The organization is opening four new Narcan distribution boxes on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations. Those include the Oglala Sioux Tribe Building in Pine Ridge, the Oyate Teca Project in Kyle, and Buche Foods locations in Mission and Pine Ridge

“The Oglala Sioux Tribe is honored and proud to host one of Emily’s Hope naloxone nasal spray distribution boxes at the Oglala Sioux Tribe Building in Pine Ridge. Providing free life‑saving tools like naloxone through accessible community-based locations is a vital step toward reducing opioid-related harm and stigma. Together with Emily’s Hope, we stand committed to protecting lives and ensuring naloxone is within reach,” said Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice President's Office advisor Shaina Johnson.

Emily's Hope is also placing boxes several more boxes in Rapid City. That includes two at Monument Health locations — one at the Monument Health Family Medicine Residency Clinic and another at the Monument Health Rapid City Hospital — as well as one at the Fork Real Community Cafe. That's in addition to the existing box at Project Recovery Rapid City.

"This initiative reflects a shared commitment to saving lives and addressing the opioid crisis with practical, community-focused solutions.” Steven Tamang, M.D., Addiction Medicine, Monument Health.

A distribution box was also placed in Sturgis ahead of this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A permanent location in the community will be decided after the rally ends.

“These boxes are about putting life-saving tools directly into the hands of the people who need them most—no questions asked,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “We are especially grateful to our community partners for recognizing the urgency and stepping up to help prevent more overdose deaths in South Dakota.”

Emily’s Hope officials say since the program began, they’ve distributed more than 15,000 Narcan doses across the state.