SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota remains among the states with the lowest drug overdose death rates, but its recent decline trails the national drop, according to new reports.
Provisional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show more than 80 South Dakotans died of overdoses from March 2024 to March 2025 — a 2.4% decrease year over year. Nationally, overdose deaths fell 25% during the same period.
In Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, sheriff’s offices report 46 deadly overdoses in the past 18 months.
An analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) of 2023 data found South Dakota had the second-lowest overdose death rate in the country at 11 per 100,000 people. Nebraska ranked lowest; West Virginia was highest at 82 per 100,000.
Public health officials cite several factors behind the broader decline, including expanded access to naloxone — now available over the counter — growth in treatment options, opioid settlement funds reaching communities and shifting drug-use patterns. In South Dakota, Emily’s Hope has worked with businesses and tribal governments to distribute free naloxone (Narcan) across the state and on reservations.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, and Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun will hold a press conference to discuss the opioid issue in South Dakota. Stay tuned to Emily’s Hope for the details.
