South Carolina has recently received one of the largest surges in funding to fight the opioid crisis in the state with over $20 million in funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services. This will go toward prevention, treatment as well as recovery of what is known as opioid use disorder. In the last several years, opioid related deaths are up in our state. However, as health care providers learn more about this crisis, prescriptions are now actually trending downward.

Specific plans for the HHS funding for South Carolina include:

• Narcan: This funding will expand the training, access to and use of Narcan which is an overdose reversal drug.
• Publicity appeal: The state will develop a targeted ad campaign that encourages SC residents to accept those who struggle with addiction.
• Subsidized treatment: The state will begin to offer support for those who need treatment but cannot afford it.
• Support will be provided to individuals who are being released from South Carolina’s jails and prisons.
• The S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services will work to increase access to medication-assisted treatment around the state and will target the state’s emergency rooms.

The opioid crisis in our state is something we must all think about and address. Some of the remaining funds from the Department of Health and Human Services are being spent to fund centers that focus on substance abuse treatment and mental health services. As a result, even more staff are being trained to treat opioid addiction and respond to the needs of those struggling with addiction.

Professional Support to Battle Opioid Addiction in South Carolina

The Forrester Center for Behavioral Health specializes in helping adolescents and adults who are battling with opioid addiction. We are now accepting clients for our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is most commonly used for the treatment of opioid addiction such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. We believe that finances should not be a barrier for you to receive the treatment that you need, so you should be aware that we have a financial counselor onsite who can help determine options for helping you with Medicaid and private insurance questions.

Our team of professionals can help you battle opioid addiction in South Carolina. For more information, call the Forrester Center for Behavioral Health at 864-582-7588.