Codington County reports progress on diversion, transitional housing and naloxone distribution under COSUP grant

The Codington County Commission heard an annual report Feb. 17 on the county’s substance‑use and justice efforts, including results from a COSUP (Comprehensive Opioid and Substance Use Program) grant and the county’s “Restart” initiatives.

Angie, the county’s substance‑use and justice program coordinator, said the diversion program launched July 1 and recorded 84 referrals through December; "90 percent of those completed their diversion successfully," she reported. Participants completed education components, community service hours and other conditions tied to eligibility through coordination with the state's attorney’s office.

The program supported a transitional housing partner, Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars, that served 34 people last year and provided about 2,000 nights of shelter. "We’ve been supporting their transitional housing," Angie said, noting case management helped residents obtain housing, Medicaid, employment, birth certificates and Social Security records.

The county has distributed more than 800 naloxone units through a partnership with Emily’s Hope and established a post‑overdose response team (PORT). Angie said the PORT team has not yet been deployed but stands ready to provide peer support and referrals to treatment resources.

A peer‑support specialist funded through a grant partner (Face It Together) recorded 190 sessions to date, and the program’s recovery events drew nearly 2,000 attendees across 47 events in 2025, including a Recovery Fest. The county’s marketing work around "Restart on Codington County" has produced widespread social engagement, the coordinator said.

Commissioners asked questions and expressed appreciation for the work and partnerships; no formal action was required. The presentation highlights the program’s early outcomes under the COSUP grant and indicates the county will continue work on case management, outreach and training events planned for March.