As hundreds of thousands of visitors prepare to descend on the Black Hills for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Emily’s Hope, in partnership with Action for the Betterment of our Community (ABC), has taken a proactive step to help prevent overdose deaths. A new naloxone distribution box is now installed and operational at The Armory in Sturgis, offering access to naloxone—the life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Last year’s rally was marred by two confirmed overdose deaths, and at least 12 others presented with similar symptoms, according to South Dakota Searchlight. Six of those patients required intubation.
“The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings an incredible influx of people to our town. While it’s an exciting time, with the larger crowds comes an increased risk of accidental opioid overdoses. Our vision at ABC is to work closely with local establishments to help minimize these tragic, fatal overdoses. We were lucky enough to partner with the State of South Dakota and Emily’s Hope to provide free naloxone kits to the campgrounds, concert venues, and various vendors, as well as a distribution box downtown this year during the 85th Motorcycle Rally. With these establishments having these kits on hand means they can play a crucial role in making the Rally safer for everyone. We have received immense support from our community and hope to continue this in years to come!” said Courtney Ramirez, Action for the Betterment of our Community.
The timing of the installation is critical. With large crowds and increased risk of substance use during the rally, easy access to naloxone could mean the difference between life and death. The anonymous distribution box allows anyone to take a free naloxone kit, no questions asked.
“Getting naloxone into the hands of the public during highly populated events like the rally is one of the most effective ways we can save lives,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “We’re grateful to ABC and Sturgis businesses for supporting this initiative.”
Following the rally, the naloxone box will be relocated within the Surgis community to ensure year-round access for residents and visitors alike.
This effort is part of Emily’s Hope’s broader mission to reduce stigma, provide education, and expand harm reduction tools across South Dakota in response to the ongoing opioid crisis.
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and to save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and financial assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization has become a national voice for prevention and hope. Emily’s Hope offers a K–12 substance use prevention curriculum used across the country, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, and on-the-ground initiatives such as naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and a Youth Prevention Coalition in South Dakota. The organization also provides treatment scholarships to help individuals access care. Learn more about Emily’s Hope at emilyshope.charity.
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