COLUMBIA, S.C. - For the first time in more than a decade, South Carolina is seeing a decline in the number of deaths resulting from drug overdoses. The results were based on a 2023 Drug Overdose Deaths Report conducted by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH).

In 2023, there were 2,157 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina. That's a 6.1% decrease from the 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022. The last time overdose death numbers went down was in 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.”

South Carolina continues to struggle with Fentanyl as over 1,500 deaths were attributed to that substance in particular. The South Carolina Department of Health continues to fight opioid addictions by offering Opioid Overdose Safety Kits at various health departments across the state. 

“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 support 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.”