PIERRE, S.D. -  Attorney General Marty Jackley will host an Opioid Abuse Consumer Protection Training in Sioux Falls on Monday August 29, 2016, at the South Dakota Medical School.

“Opioid drug abuse has become a growing epidemic across the nation and it is affecting our state with a direct impact to our communities, healthcare professionals, and our court system,” said Jackley. “This training is designed to provide South Dakota with additional tools to help us combat opioid abuse.”

In 2015, South Dakota suffered 49 accidental overdose deaths. Drug addiction reaches and affects a broad spectrum of individuals, including ordinary citizens with legitimate pain reduction needs. As this problem continues to grow, it is necessary to train and educate our attorneys, healthcare professionals, policy makers, law enforcement, service providers, and others to the impact of opioid abuse on society.

Training segments will focus on tracking and monitoring of prescription drugs, harm reduction strategies, law enforcement efforts relating to illicit availability of opioids and overdose investigations, and medication assisted treatment options. Additionally, segments may discuss environmental and other issues which may arise with the disposal of drugs and the risks of unintended consequences of remedial or prohibitive actions. Attendees will also discuss community solution and policy efforts, establishing partnerships within communities, and the development of evidence-based programs and materials to create or expand initiatives to deal with opioid abuse.

Media is invited and requested to check-in at registration desk upon arrival. 

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