The South Dakota State University (SDSU) will lead a statewide overdose response effort to increase access to life-saving resources and education thanks to funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) is a partner of the START-SD: Overdose Response project, which will focus on increasing access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips, providing education and training on naloxone use and distribution, developing an anti-stigma campaign and expanding access to peer recovery coaches.
Below is an excerpt from the news release posted by SDSU news release from September 15, 2023.
The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care will assist the START-SD team with pharmacy outreach and educational programming to facilitate distribution and proper use of naloxone and fentanyl test strips.
Nancy McDonald, vice president of the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care, said that through the project, “we can play an integral role in equipping communities with the tools, resources and interventions that reduce harm and save lives. Distribution of naloxone to community members can play a crucial role in saving a life when an emergency medical response may be delayed.”
SDFMC has been engaged in a variety of proposals and projects related to overdose reduction, including a integrating and training peer support specialists in Sioux Falls Drug Court. These and other existing relationships led to a collaborative proposal and implementation effort.
Diane Eide, BSN, RN, program manager at SDFMC will continue to engage these community and health care partners to expand overdose response and create positive outcomes. “I am very excited to be part of the START-SD grant, because it represents an opportunity to make a direct impact on our communities. We will work with SDSU and other dedicated partners to reduce the stigma, enhance education, distribute lifesaving Narcan, and provide fentanyl test strips to our communities.”
