Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department held a brief ceremony and check presentation, awarding funds to help five area agencies reach their opiate abatement strategy goals. Each recipient gave brief remarks about their projects and community impact goals. 

The five organizations receiving grant money are:

• Good Neighbor Medical Clinic
• Mercy Me
• City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department
• AccessHealth Lowcountry
• Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation

"Beaufort County's commitment to combating the opioid crisis is unwavering. By awarding these funds, we are not only fostering a collaborative approach that empowers local organizations to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected, but we are demonstrating our commitment to combating the opioid crisis head-on,"  said Larry McElynn, Beaufort County Council Member and former Special Agent with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

"Yesterday was a good day for Beaufort County partnering with local organizations to help our community in facing the opioid epidemic is a huge step," says Audra Antonacci–Ogden, Assistant County Administrator for Community Services.

The projects the recipients are focused on include:

• Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder;
• Providing training for healthcare providers on opioid prescribing practices and addiction treatment;
• Increasing public awareness and education on the dangers of opioid misuse and addiction;
• Supporting the development of recovery support services and peer support programs;

“These award recipients discussed their project plans to break down and challenge structural, societal, family, and self-stigma and save lives," said Steve Donaldson, Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Director. "Beaufort County is honored to participate in such an effort, and we look forward to seeing the project outcomes."

Beaufort County Council passed two ordinances Monday, May 8, at the County Council meeting, to accept and appropriate funds received from the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund. The funds in the amounts of $299,376 and $612,733 respectively, and will be used to combat the opioid epidemic in Beaufort County.

Read the complete media release here.