The S.C. Department of Public Health and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities marked International Overdose Awareness Day by noting a decline in fatal overdoses while warning fentanyl remains the top killer.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina recorded 1,481 drug overdose deaths in 2024, a 31.3% drop from the 2,157 deaths reported in 2023, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).
DPH and the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) released the figures as the agencies observed International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, according to DPH.
Most of the state’s 46 counties saw overdose deaths decline between 2023 and 2024, DPH said. Aiken, Colleton, Georgetown, Jasper and Spartanburg counties each recorded reductions of 50% or more, according to DPH.
“We’re encouraged to see overdose deaths declining, a sign that statewide prevention efforts are making a real difference, but even one life lost is too many,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, acting DPH director. “DPH and its partners remain fully committed to prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives that will help us build a safer, healthier future for everyone in South Carolina.”
Despite the overall decline, fentanyl remained the leading factor in overdose deaths statewide, involved in 914 of the 1,481 deaths in 2024, according to DPH.
DPH said it continues to distribute free Opioid Overdose Safety Kits at health departments across the state. Each kit includes two doses of naloxone, five fentanyl test strips, five xylazine test strips, and educational materials, available in English and Spanish, according to the agency. Naloxone, an FDA-approved nasal spray, can reverse opioid overdoses and does not require a prescription, DPH said.
“Today is about remembering those we have lost to overdose and honoring the families touched by these tragedies,” said Sara Goldsby, director of BHDD’s Office of Substance Use Services. “While overdose deaths are declining, we are still losing twice as many South Carolinians as we did a decade ago. As communities across the state gather to remember these lives, our work to treat addiction like any other chronic disease must continue year-round.”
Residents seeking help can call the Statewide Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit DPH’s Opioid Epidemic webpage, embracerecoverysc.com or justplainkillers.com, according to the agency.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Public Health.
