South Dakota collaborating to combat overdoses

SIOUX FALLS, S.D (KELO) — According to state data, opioid-related deaths have increased in South Dakota since 2012.

Last year the Department of Social Service announced grants would be distributed to organizations working to fight opioid abuse.

A local non-profit is using that money to kick off a Post Overdose Response Team for Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties.

45-year-old Nikki Schoffelman spent 29 years of her life drinking and using drugs.

“I started using and drinking when I was, like 14 years old… So just continued use in different degrees throughout my life. But until just over three years ago, there was always like, some sort of use,” said Nikki Schoffelman, Peer support specialist.

Three years ago she decided to get help at Keystone Rehabilitation.

“My life was completely unmanageable. And I knew that something had to happen… What led me to want to get help really was that my life was had just completely unraveled and I know that there was more so much more to live for,” Schoffelman said.

Now, she wants to use her story as a way to help others as a Peer Support Specialist with Emily’s Hope .

“Part of this work being able to give back and and I’ll say this to recovery is like a one seat boat. So it’s not about getting people into my boat, but guiding them to theirs, and helping them find their own paths,” Schoffelman said.

Schoffelman will work as part of Emily’s Hope Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) .

“Our PORT program, which post overdose response team is basically a follow up program for people who have survived an overdose in Minnehaha, and Lincoln Counties,” said Taryn Sietsema, Director of Programs.

“When someone overdoses and survives that overdose, we are going to be able to reach them a number of ways. One of the ways will be if law enforcement is called law enforcement is going to give them our literature or contact information, if they’re transported by ambulance. The ambulance also has that Patient Care EMS, and also the emergency rooms have all of our information and can release the patient’s information to us with their permission,” said Angela Kennecke, CEO of Emily’s Hope.

PORT has been in the works for more than a year.

“Our goal is really to try to respond when someone is at the ER, so within two hours of time, and connect them with a peer support specialists. When we meet with people initially, we are then going to follow up with them after a week. And then after that it’s twice a month for six months. And then for the last six months out of the year, it’s once a month. So the goal is to really build over pour with people so that we can really see them through this entire continuum,” Sietsema said.

To help save as many people as possible, Emily’s Hope is collaborating with an array of organizations, medical teams and law enforcement.

“It’s important understand that law enforcement just plays one role in this, and that multiple people can collaborate together to work to make an impact. And I think Emily’s hope taking the steps to get this program rolling is an example of that,” said Jon Thum, Sioux Falls Chief of Police.

According to the Sioux Falls Police Department, overdoses involving fentanyl have been rising in Sioux Falls since 2020. As the amount of fentanyl seized in the city increases, so does the number of overdoses. On average between 15 to 30 people in Sioux Falls die every year from opioid use.

“We respond to a variety of overdose calls, and each one is uniquely different. And a lot of times it requires medical intervention. And I think this is where the partnership with the hospital systems is key,” Thum said.

“We have an overdose response packet that we left with people in the past, and to include their materials in that packet provides a source and a resource that families can go directly to, because many times they’re looking for answers or they’re looking for help, or they’re not sure where to start,” Thum said.

Schoffelman says she understands how hard recovery can be to navigate, and wants to do her part to help those who need it most.

“You don’t have to do this alone that you always have there is more support out there than you’ll ever know when it’s beautiful genuine support from great people who’ve gone through the exact same thing,” Schoffelman said.

Emily’s Hope will also work alongside Straight up Care, The Link, and the Center for Family Medicine to provide online and in person resources and support.

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