Report: South Carolina sees first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - For the first time in more than a decade, South Carolina saw a decrease in the number of overdose deaths, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s (DPH) newly released 2023 Drug Overdose Deaths Report.
Officials said each year, DPH’s Drug Overdose Deaths Report provides data and information about the fatal drug overdose deaths that occur in the state.
In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 2,157 drug overdose deaths in the state. Officials said this is a 6.1% decrease from the 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022.
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Prior to 2023, the last time South Carolina saw a decrease in drug overdose deaths was 2012.
“As we’ve watched the overdose epidemic’s impact across the United States and within our state, DPH and our partners have worked determinedly to build programs and offer resources to curtail substance misuse and prevent overdose deaths in our state,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director. “This data reflects our hard work and shows our state heading in the right direction. While we celebrate this achievement, we still have a long way to go in our efforts to reduce drug overdose deaths in our state.”
While South Carolina experienced a decrease in drug overdose deaths overall in 2023, there were increases in almost one-third (15 of 46) of the state’s counties, including Aiken, Charleston, Chester, Chesterfield, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Lancaster, Marlboro, Newberry, Oconee, Williamsburg and York.
According to officials, the synthetic opioid fentanyl continues to be largely responsible for a vast number of overdose deaths nationally. Fentanyl was involved in 1,550 of the state’s 2,157 overdose deaths in 2023.
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“The cross-sector coordination between public safety and health services has been essential to reducing overdoses and saving lives,” said Sara Goldsby, South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) director. “Implementing evidence-based strategies that enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts yields results. The supplemental federal funds that South Carolina has received in recent years have been instrumental in expanding access to treatment and recovery services, increasing prevention initiatives, and strengthening community-based systems. These resources have allowed us to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing the overdose crisis and improving outcomes for individuals and families across the state.”
The DPH is reminding all South Carolinians of resources that are available for anyone experiencing substance use issues.
DPH offers Opioid Overdose (OD) Safety Kits at health departments across the state.
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