07/31/2025
South Dakota officials have detected a rise in suspected drug overdoses in the Pennington County area related to fentanyl. Methamphetamine and other drugs may unknowingly contain fentanyl.
To protect our families, friends, and communities, it’s important to recognize the signs of an overdose and be aware of safety measures to prevent or respond to an emergency:
◾Keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand in case of emergencies. You can get naloxone free from select pharmacies near you (see LetsBeClearSD.com) or from naloxone distribution boxes provided by Emily's Hope.
◾Only take pills that are prescribed to you by your healthcare provider.
◾If you use substances, always test them first with fentanyl test strips.
◾Never use drugs or alcohol alone. Never Use Alone - 1-800-484-3731
⚠️If you expect someone might be experiencing an overdose, look for: trouble breathing, poor responsiveness, and pinpoint pupils. Call 911 immediately, administer naloxone (Narcan), and perform CPR if able.
Know that help is always nearby. The 988 Lifeline is a local, confidential resource for substance use and mental health concerns. Call, text, or chat 988 if you need help or are concerned about someone in your life. You can also visit SDBehavioralHealth.gov or LetsBeClearSD.com to find resources and treatment options.
If you or a loved one recently survived a drug overdose, local harm reduction and recovery support is available. Call 605.593.6570 to connect with Project Recovery’s post-overdose Rapid Response Team. This team serves Pennington, Meade, Custer, Lawrence, Butte, Oglala Lakota, and Roberts counties.
