Sioux Falls, SD — In a bold and necessary step to address South Dakota’s rising overdose death rate, Emily’s Hope has partnered with South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Health to distribute 20,000 naloxone kits—equaling 40,000 doses—throughout the state.
Funded by the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund and supplied by TEVA Pharmaceuticals, this initiative expands Emily’s Hope’s harm reduction efforts to ensure life-saving naloxone is readily available in every corner of the state.
As part of this effort, Emily’s Hope will increase the number of its public naloxone distribution boxes and provide kits to businesses, nonprofits, and churches. Organizations are encouraged to place naloxone next to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), where they are easily accessible in emergencies.
“Naloxone is the fire extinguisher of the opioid crisis,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “It should be everywhere—just like AEDs and first aid kits—because lives are at stake. Getting naloxone into every community is not just important; it’s essential if we want to stop the rising tide of overdose deaths in South Dakota and end the fentanyl crisis.”
How the Naloxone Program Works:
- Emily’s Hope packages naloxone kits with clear usage instructions.
- Free public access naloxone boxes are installed in high-traffic areas statewide.
- Businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities can request free naloxone kits for their locations.
- The goal is to make naloxone easily accessible—especially where overdoses are most likely to occur: in homes, public restrooms, and community spaces.
Current Naloxone Box Locations:
Emily’s Hope has already installed boxes in key South Dakota communities, with many more coming throughout 2025:
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 Health Main Entrance & Emergency Room
Rapid City:
- Project Recovery – 625 Flormann St
Vermillion:
- Pump ‘n Pak – 629 Stanford St
Pierre:
- Capital Area Counseling Service – 2001 Eastgate Ave
Why Naloxone Access Matters:
Naloxone is a safe, effective opioid overdose reversal medication. It cannot harm someone who is not overdosing, making it a crucial public safety tool. With overdose deaths increasing in South Dakota—even as they fall nationwide—expanding access is a life-saving necessity.
To request naloxone kits for your organization or learn more, visit:
🔗 https://emilyshope.charity/our-impact/harm-reduction
📩 Request kits: Naloxone Box Request Form
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit founded by journalist Angela Kennecke in memory of her daughter, Emily, who died of fentanyl poisoning in 2018. The organization is dedicated to removing the stigma of substance use disorder through education, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support.