Charleston, South Carolina, August 29, 2025
News Summary
In response to a surge in opioid overdoses, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a Naloxone distribution initiative, placing Narcan stands across the county. The alarming increase includes five fatalities and 22 nonfatal overdoses within just six days, particularly in North Charleston. Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and will be readily available to the public, with no records kept of its distribution. This initiative highlights a community-driven effort to combat the opioid crisis in Charleston County.
Charleston, South Carolina – In response to a troubling increase in opioid overdoses, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a Naloxone distribution initiative, which includes the placement of Narcan stands throughout the county. This measure comes after the county reported six overdoses within a single day, with two resulting in fatalities.
Over the past six days, Charleston County has seen a surge in overdose incidents, recording five fatalities and 22 nonfatal overdoses. A significant number of these events occurred in North Charleston, particularly near Ashley Phosphate Road and Rivers Avenue, alarming community leaders and law enforcement. It was noted that two of the overdoses reported involved heroin, contributing to one of the deaths.
Narcan, a form of naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. It comes in a pre-filled nasal spray format that allows for easy administration by anyone, without the need for special training or authorization. To enhance public accessibility, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has set up Naloxone stands at various locations, which are regularly monitored to ensure they remain stocked. Importantly, no records will be kept regarding who takes Narcan or how often it is distributed.
As part of the initiative, the Econo Lodge in North Charleston has partnered with the sheriff’s office to host a Naloxone stand. It’s crucial to clarify that the installation of this stand was not a direct response to overdose incidents occurring at that specific location but rather part of a broader strategy to combat the opioid crisis in the area.
Business owners interested in providing Naloxone stands at their venues are encouraged to reach out to the sheriff’s office via email. This collaborative approach aims to expand community involvement in addressing the opioid epidemic that has affected many families across Charleston County and beyond.
Funding for the Naloxone distribution initiative comes from the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund and is implemented in partnership with the Charleston Center. Critically, this initiative does not utilize any funding from local, state, or federal tax dollars, showcasing a dedicated effort to mitigate the ongoing crisis.
In addition to the Naloxone stands, law enforcement is promoting the Bridge2Hope App, which is available for iPhones and will soon be accessible for Android devices. The app serves as a resource hub, providing users with information on substance use and harm reduction strategies.
Moreover, a new real-time opioid database has been established by the Charleston Center to collect and present data related to opioid use in the area. This database gathers information from local agencies such as the sheriff’s office and the Coroner’s Office, aiming to heighten public awareness about the opioid crisis while providing access to essential resources. Users can receive spike alerts from the database, notifying them of multiple overdoses occurring in specific locations in real-time.
Advocates continue to emphasize the importance of Narcan training and the distribution of free naloxone to empower communities. The overarching goal of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and its partners is to reduce opioid overdose incidents through increased accessibility to life-saving resources and community engagement in combating this critical public health issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Narcan and how does it work?
Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain.
Where can I find Naloxone stands in Charleston County?
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has placed Naloxone stands in various locations across the county. Community members can check local listings or contact the sheriff’s office for specific locations.
Is Narcan available without a prescription?
Yes, Narcan is available over-the-counter in pharmacies and through community distribution initiatives, such as the ones set up by the sheriff’s office.
How is the Naloxone distribution initiative funded?
The initiative is funded by the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund and is implemented in partnership with the Charleston Center, without using local, state, or federal tax dollars.
Can businesses host Naloxone stands?
Yes, businesses interested in providing Naloxone stands can contact the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office via email to discuss hosting options.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Naloxone Distribution Initiative | A program by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office to distribute naloxone through community stands. |
| Surge in Overdose Cases | Recent data highlights a concerning rise in opioid overdoses, including several fatalities. |
| Access to Narcan | Narcan is available in a nasal spray form, easy to administer by anyone. |
| Funding | The initiative is funded through the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund without taxpayer money. |
| Bridge2Hope App | An app providing resources and information about substance use and overdose prevention. |
| Real-Time Opioid Database | A dashboard to track opioid-related data to improve community awareness and response. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Reminds Public About Narcan Stands
- Count on 2: SCDPH Reports Increase in Overdose Deaths
- WYFF4: Overdoses and Free Narcan Stand in North Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid
- Wikipedia: Naloxone
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
