South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, along with Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, have announced a plan to utilize funds from the National Opioid Settlement to bolster addiction treatment services in their cities.
South Dakota is set to receive $79 million over 18 years from settlements with various pharmaceutical companies implicated in the opioid epidemic. To date, more than $31 million has been received. Jackley stated that these funds must be used immediately to expand access to treatment and recovery services, with the goal of providing assistance to people before their addiction leads to incarceration.
Both mayors emphasized the growing addiction problem in their communities and the importance of local treatment centers. Mayor Salamun of Rapid City highlighted that substance abuse is a major driver of crime and that using the settlement funds for treatment and rehabilitation will strengthen public safety. Sioux Falls Mayor TenHaken noted that the funds will enhance existing programs, such as “The Link” which has provided triage services to approximately 1,500 individuals since its opening.
The officials anticipate that the new or expanded treatment centers will also serve residents from surrounding cities and tribal communities. Jackley also voiced his opposition to placing the funds in an endowment, citing a 15% penalty tied to the settlement if the money is not spent promptly, and the immediate need for the funds to address the crisis.