PINE RIDGE, S.D. — Emily’s Hope has installed four new naloxone distribution boxes on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations in an effort to combat the opioid crisis and save lives, particularly in Native American communities that have been disproportionately affected.
In South Dakota, Native Americans die from drug overdoses at a rate 4.6 times higher than white residents, according to state data. This year, both the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations declared states of emergency due to drug trafficking and increased violence.
The new boxes, which provide free naloxone nasal spray to the public, are located at the Oglala Sioux Tribe Building in Pine Ridge, Oyate Teca Project in Kyle, and Buche Foods stores in Mission and Pine Ridge.
The expansion was made possible through partnerships with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Buche Foods, and the Oyate Teca Project.
“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,” said Shaina Johnson, senior advisor in the Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice President’s Office. “Providing free life‑saving tools like naloxone through accessible community-based locations is a vital step toward reducing opioid-related harm and stigma.”
Shaina Johnson, Senior Advisor Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice President Office, with Angela Kennecke, Founder of Emily’s Hope
Tameka Vocu, manager of the Pine Ridge Buche Foods, said community demand for naloxone has been high. “We have so many customers that have grabbed kits — almost 100 kits have left the store. We have lost many of our people to overdoses already. We hope this can help save a few of those lives at risk.”
Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse opioid overdoses in minutes and is safe and easy to use without medical training. The growing prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply has made access to naloxone increasingly urgent.
“Native American communities in South Dakota have been hit especially hard by the opioid crisis,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “That’s why it’s so important to bring naloxone directly into these communities — where it can truly make a difference. By making this lifesaving medication easy to access, we’re giving people a second chance and helping to save lives.”
Emily’s Hope encourages community members to pick up free naloxone and carry it in case they encounter someone experiencing an opioid emergency. The naloxone kits are made possible through a partnership with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Social Services, and the South Dakota Department of Health.
A full list of Emily’s Hope naloxone distribution box locations can be found at emilyshope.charity/narcan.
