Opioid Crisis

(From www.SCDHEC.org) Opioid misuse and overdoses are at epidemic levels in the United States today, and data indicates that opioid overdoses have increased in South Carolina since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to increased anxiety, social isolation, and depression. This opioid epidemic also creates secondary public health impacts by increasing demand on our first responders, law enforcement, and healthcare agencies.

The links below are from the SC Department of Health and Environmental (SCDHEC) site, including:

• The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) launched Just Plain Killers, a public education campaign that charges South Carolinians with taking a pledge to help fight opioid use and abuse in our state.
  
  
• The Strengthening Families Program serves families with children ages 6 to 11 through local partners in settings that include community centers, schools, and churches. SFP is designed to help families develop positive discipline practices, stay resilient in tough times, reduce conflict, improve parenting skills, and assist children with social skills, relationships, and school performance.
  
  
• Opioid Statistical Surveillance: DHEC collects and analyzes opioid overdose data and death data across the state, which are also released annually in a year-end report.