South Dakota Allocates $7.82M in Opioid Settlement Funds

Grants target substance abuse prevention, treatment and education across the state

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a syringe and needle, highlighting the delicate internal structure and conceptually representing the complexities of the opioid epidemic.An X-ray image reveals the intricate inner workings of a syringe, symbolizing the complex challenges of the opioid crisis and the state's efforts to address substance abuse through targeted funding.Sioux Falls Today

The state of South Dakota has awarded $7.82 million in opioid settlement funds to 10 organizations across the state for projects addressing substance use disorder through prevention, treatment and education services. The funding is part of over $32 million the state has received since December 2022, with more expected by 2038.

Why it matters

The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on communities across South Dakota. These grants aim to fill critical gaps in services and support for vulnerable populations, including youth, pregnant women, and those involved in the criminal justice system, in order to combat substance abuse and its effects.

The details

The grants cover a range of initiatives, from $3 million for adolescent addiction services to over $700,000 for clinical training programs and mobile crisis response. Several grants focus on supporting pregnant and postpartum women, as well as programs to aid individuals transitioning from incarceration. The funding will also support prevention education, community engagement, and care coordination efforts.

  • In December 2022, the state began receiving opioid settlement funds.
  • By 2038, the state is projected to receive just under $99 million in total opioid settlement funds.
  • In October 2025, the state began accepting grant applications for individual projects and programs.

The players

Larry Rhoden

The Governor of South Dakota.

Matt Althoff

The Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

Marty Jackley

The Attorney General of South Dakota.

Paul TenHaken

The Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jason Salamun

The Mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“In total, these 10 awards hold great promise of filling gaps that (DSS) and the opioid advisory committee have confirmed exists today.”

— Matt Althoff, Secretary, South Dakota Department of Social Services

“They are doing the state a favor by having the programs and skin in the game that we could use these dollars to enhance. In working with them, they have what I feel are the right proposals to strengthen those existing programs and help them serve so many others that have addiction challenges.”

— Marty Jackley, Attorney General, South Dakota

“Part of this planning is in anticipation for getting a larger pot of that money. We want to be prepared, if we're going to be able to free that money up, to come out here and to do something truly transformative instead of piecemealing things together and giving out the smaller parts.”

— Brian Mueller, Sheriff, Pennington County, South Dakota

What’s next

The state will continue to evaluate its strategic plan for allocating the remaining opioid settlement funds to ensure the most effective use of the resources.

The takeaway

These grants represent a significant investment in addressing the opioid crisis in South Dakota, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations and implementing comprehensive, community-based solutions. The state's efforts to collaborate with local leaders and leverage existing programs demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact on substance abuse issues across the state.