The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) received grant awards similar to many other states to combat what has been called a nationwide opioid epidemic. As part of South Dakota's targeted response to this epidemic, the DOH in collaboration with DSS established regional training sessions to equip and educate first responders including hospital staff, Emergency Medical Services, and law enforcement agencies statewide.
First responder agencies are on the front lines of the opioid crisis and are challenged with the many dangers of opioids and the result of potent synthetic manufacturing thereof; some synthetics, 100 times more powerful, require special handling for responder safety. During training sessions, DOH educated responders about the opioid crisis, the symptomatology of an opioid overdose, and general treatment and safety recommendations for a patient suffering a suspected opioid overdose. Furthermore, DOH has equipped first responder agencies with Naloxone, a medication intended to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Naloxone in Public Schools Project
Naloxone for SD Businesses
During the 2023 Legislative session, House Bill 1162 (HB1162) passed and was signed by Governor Noem to authorize employers to acquire and make available opioid antagonists. This legislation specifically states an employer may acquire and make available on the employer’s premises an opioid antagonist that is dispensed or distributed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Naloxone Training & Distribution Contacts
For information pertaining to the Naloxone Project, Distribution, and/or Evaluation efforts, please contact:
Marty Link, Naloxone Project Administrator
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Administrator
To request additional or replacement Naloxone, please contact:
Bob Hardwick, Naloxone Project Assistant Administrator
Central EMS Specialist