South Dakota is expecting a significant payout from the recent opioid manufacturing settlements.
The state’s payout from the settlement is approximately $100 million, though questions remain about how the funds should be managed and distributed.
Brenna Koedam, Chief of Behavioral Health for the Department of Social Services, said the funds are divided into two parts.
Koedam told South Dakota Public Broadcasting the state will receive 70 percent of the funds. A 30 percent portion of the funds has already been divided into local government boards and agencies.
Over the next 13 years, $98.8 million will be distributed. Projects anticipated to receive the most funding have to meet three criteria: statewide impact, problem solving, and innovative solutions.
A substantial portion of preventive spending has been allocated to date for Naloxone access, community grant programming, overdose follow-up programs, and prescription drug monitoring programs.