Berkeley County has received an initial installment of $368,557 as part of a $26 billion National Opioid Settlement. Funds will be distributed to state and political subdivisions. In response, the state has set up the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund through which to distribute its settlement share of more than $360 million. The County plans to distribute its portion of funds to local organizations and agencies helping fight the opioid epidemic here at home.
Eligible organizations and nonprofits may apply HERE. The County application period will be open until 5 p.m. on January 31. Eligible applicants include those organizations and agencies that work directly on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and/or assist in opioid addiction recovery or preventative services.
Funding must be used for one or more of the following approved opioid remediation uses:
- Naloxone or Other FDA-Approved Drug to Reverse Opioid Overdoses;
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Distribution and Other Opioid-Related Treatment;
- Pregnant and Postpartum Women;
- Expanding Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS);
- Expansion of Warm Handoff Programs and Recovery Services;
- Treatment for Incarcerated Population;
- Prevention Programs
- Expanding Syringe Service Programs; and
- Evidence-Based Data Collection and Research Analyzing the Effectiveness of the Abatement Strategies within the State.
“The opioid epidemic is one that has plagued our nation for years, and we are even seeing its harsh effects in our communities here at home. Our County agencies such as EMS, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, volunteer fire departments, and the Coroner’s Office, as well as local nonprofits, work hard to deal with the effects and combat opioid use locally. County Council and our administration are thankful for this much-needed settlement funding and will ensure it is utilized in a positive, life-changing way for our citizens,” Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb said.
South Carolina is set to receive its National Opioid Settlement funding over the next 18 years. At least 92 percent of these funds will be used to address the opioid crisis across the state. More than $100 million will be disbursed to nonprofits, hospitals, state agencies and other organizations working to help address this epidemic. Funding from the national settlement stems from manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies involved in the opioid process.
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