Sioux Falls, SD — April 8, 2025 — Emily’s Hope is proud to announce the expansion of its lifesaving naloxone box initiative in partnership with Sanford Health. Two naloxone distribution boxes have now been installed at key locations within the Sanford USD Medical Center—one in the hospital’s main lobby and another in the emergency room.
These free naloxone boxes provide public access to the opioid overdose-reversing medication, often known by the brand name Narcan. Each box contains doses of naloxone along with gloves, a face shield, and information on how to use it and where to get help. Anyone can take a kit—no questions asked.
“This expansion is a powerful step forward in our mission to save lives,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “Sanford Health is not only South Dakota’s largest health care provider but also a vital community partner. Their willingness to place these boxes where they’re needed most—in high-traffic and emergency care areas—demonstrates their deep commitment to preventing overdose deaths.”
The collaboration builds upon an existing partnership between Emily’s Hope and Sanford Health through the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT). This program connects overdose survivors with recovery resources and follow-up support after a non-fatal overdose, with the goal of reducing repeat overdoses and helping individuals enter treatment.
“As health care providers, we are directly faced with the devastating impact the opioid crisis can have on patients, their families and our community as a whole,” said Kayler Ridl, integrated health therapist at Sanford Health. “Naloxone is a life-saving medication not only for individuals abusing substances, but also for patients who are new to using pain killers and may be more vulnerable to overdose if the medication isn’t used as directed. By increasing accessibility to naloxone, we hope to offer these individuals another opportunity for a healthy life or a pathway to recovery for those experiencing addiction.”
To date, Emily’s Hope has distributed more than 6,000 doses of naloxone throughout the region.
“This partnership with Sanford Health helps us reach people where they are, in moments of both crisis and hope,” Kennecke added. “Together, we’re taking real action to save lives and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.”
For more information or to support the naloxone box program, visit www.emilyshope.charity.
Current Naloxone Box Locations
Emily’s Hope has already placed eight naloxone distribution boxes across South Dakota, with more to come 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
- 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 and effective opioid antagonist that can reverse an overdose within minutes. It does not harm individuals who are not experiencing an overdose, making it a vital safety tool for widespread public use.
As Emily’s Hope expands this life-saving initiative, the organization encourages all South Dakotans to carry naloxone and be prepared to save a life.
For more information or to request naloxone kits for your organization, visit https://emilyshope.charity/our-impact/harm-reduction or contact: https://emilyshope.charity/our-impact/harm-reduction/new-naloxone-box/
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by journalist Angela Kennecke in memory of her daughter, Emily, who died in 2018 of fentanyl poisoning. The organization is dedicated to removing the stigma of substance use disorder, providing education and prevention resources, harm reduction and supporting those in recovery.