Sunday, May 18, 2025
5/18/2025
Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Impact - START-SD-Impact will expand access to treatment, recovery, and prevention services for those in the target rural counties of Hughes, Bon Homme, Yankton, and Codington in South Dakota. The goal of the START-SD-Impact program is to reduce morbidity and mortality associated opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders among justice-impacted adults aged 18-54 in target communities, with an additional goal of reducing recidivism among this population. The project uses a collaborative approach, bringing in partners with expertise with justice-involved individuals and in peer coaching, reentry programming, and recovery support. Project activities include: Expanding MOUD/MAT, Counselling, and Behavioral Therapy; Establishing Peer Coaching; Expanding Reentry Programming and Services; Developing the Workforce through Training and Education; Providing Post-Reentry Support; Supporting Loved Ones and Growing Community; and Increasing Community Engagement, Awareness, and Anti-Stigma. The prevalence of OUD and SUD is a growing problem throughout the rural state of South Dakota, precipitating a need for expanded and newly established treatment, recovery, and prevention services. Between 2014-2021 overdose mortality increased from 7.8 to 12.6 per 100,000 and overdose-related emergency department visits increased by 19.4% from 2022-2023, indicating a need for and lack of available and accessible treatment and recovery resources in South Dakota. These issues are particularly pronounced among current and recently released inmates. In FY23, 96% and 98% of male and female inmates, respectively, were diagnosed with at least one SUD during intake assessment. Three-year recidivism rates for South Dakota are above 40% for drug users, with rates increasing over five- and nine-year periods. The project will work to expand comprehensive treatment and reentry support services at all three of the rural target correctional facilities in South Dakota: the South Dakota Women’s Prison, the Mike Durfee State Prison, and the Yankton Minimum Unit. Specifically, START-SD-Impact will support the expansion of MOUD/MAT, counseling, behavioral health, and social support through financial support of treatment services supplies and education and mentoring. In developing the START-SD-Impact project, the Department of Corrections stated that although providers are in place, additional provider education and support is needed. Peer coaching services will be a key focus for this program. New, in-person, one-on-one peer coaching will be initiated through this project, starting during incarceration and continuing after reentry. Additionally, work with those who are justice-impacted, including those involved in problem-solving court, will also be supported through peer coaching. The project will include broader peer coaching services available to anyone with OUD/SUD in target counties. Support services will be provided for all justice-impacted individuals, including those who have recently reentered. For those releasing from correctional facilities, reentry programming will be expanded across all three correctional facilities. Case management and social support will be expanded through financial support, including work as a healthcare navigator, and education on how to apply for insurance. Naloxone will also be offered to those being released to reduce the high risk of overdose upon reentry. Emergency funds will be available to all who are justice-impacted to aid with costs associated with reentry and recovery. The START-SD-Impact project will also pilot a scholarship program to aid the educational advancement of those reentering or in recovery. Additionally, support of family members through loved-ones coaching will be available through this project. Finally, the START-SD-Impact project will continue to work on creating supportive recovery communities through engagement at community outreach events and work to reduce stigma.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).