COLUMBIA, S.C. — In an effort to address the ongoing opioid crisis, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering free overdose (OD) prevention safety kits at all its public health clinics. The initiative aims to save lives by equipping individuals with tools and knowledge to respond effectively to opioid overdoses.
Drug overdoses remain the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States, with South Carolina experiencing a significant rise in opioid-related fatalities. Of the state’s 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022, more than 1,800 were opioid-related, and fentanyl—a powerful synthetic opioid—was involved in 1,660 of those cases.
“An overdose can happen to anyone,” said Emma Kennedy, director of DPH’s Injury and Opioid Prevention Section. “If more people learn about opioid safety, they can be prepared in case of an overdose and prevent deaths. Having an OD safety kit on hand could save a life.”
What’s Inside the Overdose Safety Kits
Each kit includes essential resources to help prevent overdose deaths:
- Naloxone nasal spray: A medication that can reverse the effects of opioids and is harmless if opioids are not present.
- Fentanyl and xylazine test strips: Tools to detect the presence of fentanyl or xylazine in drugs. Xylazine, often mixed with opioids, can increase the risk of fatal overdose and cause harmful wounds.
- Instructions and educational materials: Guides on recognizing an opioid overdose and administering naloxone nasal spray.
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
DPH urges the public to be aware of common signs of an overdose, which include:
- Unconsciousness
- Snoring or gurgling sounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Discolored skin, particularly bluish or gray fingertips and lips
- Pinpoint pupils
How to Get a Kit and Additional Support
Free overdose safety kits are available at all DPH public health clinics. To find a nearby clinic or learn more about the kits, visit DPH’s Substance Use Prevention Resources webpage or call 1-855-472-3432.
For those seeking support for mental health or substance use issues, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting ‘988’ for free and confidential counseling.
In the event of an overdose, DPH advises calling 911 immediately and following the dispatcher’s instructions.
For additional information about opioids, addiction, and resources, visit Naloxone Saves SC or JustPlainKillers.com.
York County Clinic Locations
| Hours and Appointments | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Catwaba WIC Site | Remote services only. | |
| 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Wednesdays only | Catawba WIC Site 996 Avenue of Nations Rock Hill, SC 29730 |
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| Clover Location | Remote services only. | |
| 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursdays only
To make an appointment, call (855) 472-3432. |
Clover WIC Site 300 Clinton Ave. Clover, SC 29710 |
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| 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
To make an appointment, call (855) 472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. Ask about extended or weekend hours. |
Rock Hill Health Department 1070 Heckle Boulevard Rock Hill, SC 29732
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| York Location | ||
| 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
To make an appointment, call (855) 472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. Ask about extended or weekend hours. |
York Health Center 116 North Congress Street York, SC 29745
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Lancaster County Clinic Locations
| Hours and Appointments | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
To make an appointment, call (855) 472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. Ask about extended or weekend hours. |
NEW – Main Office 1228 Colonial Commons Ct., Suite 100 Lancaster, SC 29720 |
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