The south carolina state opioid response project (SC SOR project) aims to address the opioid and stimulant use disorder crisis through comprehensive prevention, treatment, harm reduction and…

The south carolina state opioid response project (SC SOR project) aims to address the opioid and stimulant use disorder crisis through comprehensive prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support services statewide. This initiative will leverage community partnerships and evidence-based strategies to reduce substance use and improve public health outcomes across south carolina. Populations to be served: the SC SOR project will address individuals with opioid and stimulant use disorders, focusing on - but not limited to - high-risk populations, including low-income, rural, and minority communities. Target demographics will include a diverse age range, with a particular emphasis on young adults and middle-aged individuals. Clinical characteristics will involve a spectrum of substance use severity, CO-occurring mental health conditions, and individuals with a history of overdose. Strategies/interventions: • prevention: statewide educational campaigns, community outreach, and community-based programs to raise awareness of misuse and to prevent the onset of substance use. Educational campaigns on the dangers of drugs, overdose prevention, and the availability of harm reduction services. • treatment: expansion of access to medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and integrated care models. • recovery support: development and sustainability of peer support networks, recovery housing linkage, and vocational training to sustain long-term recovery. Development and support of peer-led initiatives where individuals with lived experience provide support, education, and advocacy. • harm reduction: wide distribution of naloxone to at-risk individuals, their families, and community members, as well as training on how to use naloxone effectively in emergency situations. Distribution of fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and education on how to use the strips to prevent overdose. Goals/objectives: the application proposes a comprehensive response to the opioid and stimulant epidemic by: • monitoring programs through site visits and data collection and conducting a thorough evaluation that will be the basis for strategic and sustainability plans; • addressing stigma and the need for action through statewide multimedia campaigns; • expanding and enhancing the state's opioid overdose prevention program through a targeted saturation plan to save the lives of south carolinians; • providing financial assistance to indigent south carolinians for medications; • implementing and monitoring clinically appropriate, evidence-based practices for opioid and stimulant use disorders; and • providing assistance to individuals returning to their communities from criminal justice settings. The number of residents to be served annually is 5,288,834, and for the entire project the targeted goal is to reach a total of 15,866,502 south carolinians.