MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Berkeley County Council has approved more than $700,000 in opioid recovery funding to support local organizations and agencies working to combat the opioid epidemic.
At its meeting on Monday, September 22, council unanimously approved distributing $707,968.64 to nine organizations, according to a news release from the Berkeley County Government.
The funding comes from a $26 billion national opioid settlement involving drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. South Carolina is expected to receive more than $360 million over the next 18 years, which will be managed through the S.C. Opioid Recovery Fund.
The following Berkeley County groups were awarded funding:
- Berkeley County Coroner’s Office: $100,000
- Changed Lives Ministry: $74,990
- Ernest E. Kennedy Center: $80,754.80
- Fair Haven Home for Men: $80,754.78
- FAVOR Lowcountry: $80,754.78
- Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center: $80,754.80
- Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office: $29,204
- Remnant House Outreach Ministry: $80,755.48
- Wake Up Carolina: $100,000
Officials say the money must be used for specific opioid remediation efforts such as expanding treatment options, supporting pregnant and postpartum women, increasing access to naloxone, prevention programs, treatment for incarcerated populations, and evidence-based data collection.
“These funds represent a critical investment in saving lives and helping those struggling with addiction here at home,” Berkeley County officials said in a prepared statement.
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The nine organizations will join the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and EMS for an opioid awareness event on Friday, September 26, from 1–3 p.m. inside the Assembly Room of the Berkeley County Administration Building at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner. The event is free and open to the public.
The opioid epidemic has impacted communities nationwide, and local leaders say these dollars will go directly toward prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across Berkeley County.
