MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- South Carolina has seen a 6% decrease in drug overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023, marking the first decline in nearly a decade, according to the Department of Public Health. State officials credit partnership with community-led intervention programs for the positive trend.
Andrew McDonald, president of The Center in Myrtle Beach, emphasized the importance of community leading the way when addressing overdose prevention. "This is unity in our community," said McDonald. The Center, a non-profit organization, is opening a Family Life Center in the former Waccamaw Elementary School to support those struggling with addiction, life after incarceration, or seeking a fresh start.
"This is the process to where those people who are not dead but don't know how to live can come and heal," McDonald said. The faith-driven center will offer support groups, biblical counseling, GED courses and more to aid the Myrtle Beach community.
Julia Horan, a substance use prevention coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, highlighted the impact of peer recovery services. "We've seen an increase in peer recovery services. We've had peers in emergency departments, and having that personal connection linking people to treatment has been huge," said Horan.
The collaboration between state health officials and non-profits like The Center has been instrumental in providing resources such as naloxone and test strips to those battling addiction. In Myrtle Beach, the fire department reported a decrease in overdose calls from 542 in 2023 to 394 in 2024, with overdose deaths dropping from 69 in 2023 to 42 in 2024.
McDonald believes that community led organizations, like The Center, are crucial for long-term change. "We do life with the people we meet, and it comes with unconditional love and opportunity... I believe this community needs it more than most," he said.
The Center's new facility is located off Highway 90 in the old Waccamaw Elementary School. The non-profit is hosting a fundraising gala in November to support renovations.
The Department of Public health also has numerous resources for those suffering with addiction. You can find those resources here.