South Carolina Counties Now Equipped with Overdose Safety Kits

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced that all 46 counties in the state have been equipped with Overdose (OD) Safety Kits in an effort to save lives from opioid overdoses.

Health officials say the timing of the kits being made available coincides with the holiday season, when drug overdoses typically increase.

Each OD Safety Kit delivered to health departments around the state contains two doses of the opioid-antidote medication naloxone, five fentanyl test strips, educational materials on how to use both, and guidance for how to identify an opioid overdose.

DHEC officials say they are able to provide two kits per person while supplies last.

Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director, said "As another holiday season begins, it's important we recognize these are not happy, joyful times for everyone.  This time of year can be stressful, isolating and saddening for many people.  We encourage anyone with friends or loved ones who struggle during the holidays to stop by their DHEC health department to pick up a free OD Safety Kit to have on hand."

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is also available, offering a range of services to anyone struggling with mental or emotional health issues.  SC HOPES line connects residents to available resources across the state, while the Mobile Crisis Program provides assessment to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.  The toll-free, statewide lines can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (844) SC-HOPES (724-6737) or (833) 364-2274.