Gov. Rhoden Announces $7.8 Million in Opioid Settlement Funding

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Announces $7.8 Million in Opioid Settlement Funding

PIERRE, S.D. -Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the state of South Dakota is awarding more than $7.8 million in opioid settlement transformative grants to support identified gaps in community resources. This announcement was made at a press conference in Sioux Falls. You can find a photo from the announcement here.

"South Dakota has a lot to be proud of, including that we have the 2nd lowest overdose death rate in America - but we can always do better. These investments will strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services to close gaps across our state," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "We have both an opportunity and an obligation to invest these dollars wisely - in a way that makes a real difference."

South Dakota's opioid settlement dollars come from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies that played a role in the opioid crisis. Since South Dakota began accepting applications in late 2025, more than $10 million in opioid settlement funding has been awarded in 2026. The 10 projects being funded this cycle include enhanced statewide curriculum, building projects, additional personnel, peer and provider support resources, and treatment options. You can find more information about the projects here.

Recommendations for strategic uses of the settlement funds are made by the Opioid Advisory Committee to the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Health. DSS administers the state's share of the South Dakota Opioid Abatement and Remediation Fund.

"These projects will fill identified gaps in the resources available for those who are struggling with addiction or who are at risk of opioid misuse," said DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff. "Awardees will be required to track outcomes, and that data will demonstrate whether access gaps have been filled for South Dakotans needing assistance."

The projected state share of the settlement fund through 2038 is approximately $70 million. The state has received about $23 million of the settlement funds so far and has now allocated over $20 million statewide. For more information, see the opioid settlement dashboard at dss.sd.gov.

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