Statewide campaign launched to address opioid epidemic in SC

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The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) has launched a statewide public education campaign to address the opioid epidemic in South Carolina. The Just Plain Killers campaign will raise and deepen the public’s awareness of opioid use and abuse in the state while destigmatizing those affected by opioid use disorder.

The announcement was made by Governor Henry McMaster and DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby and Representative Eric Bedingfield, Chairman of the House Opioid Abuse Prevention Study Committee. Just Plain Killers is a public education initiative designed to combat the epidemic-level of opioid misuse in South Carolina.
“No single group or entity can solve this damaging and pervasive problem alone – it will take the rare and powerful spirit of South Carolinians educating themselves and providing necessary support for those in our communities suffering from opioid use disorder,” said Governor McMaster. “We have seen South Carolina at work in the most difficult of times, and I believe, together, we will prevail again.”
In South Carolina, nearly five million opioid prescriptions are filled every year – more than one prescription for every resident in the state.
“The foundation of the outreach is the website containing lifesaving information about prescription storage, disposal and use, but also printable resources, including a brochure, fact sheet and PowerPoint presentation. This campaign is not just for treatment professionals, but to be used in homes, schools, businesses and places of worship,” said Sara Goldsby, DAODAS Director. “This is a problem for our entire state. Pain killers can kill relationships, futures, careers…or just plain kill.”
The campaign asks elected officials, business leaders, school administrators and residents to take a pledge to educate themselves and their loved ones about the potential dangers of opioid use, and the resources available in our state.
“As Chairman of the House Opioid Abuse Prevention Study Committee, we heard over and over again how addiction is too often stigmatized. We need to reframe the conversation, and publication education is the key,” said Representative Eric Bedingfield. “This campaign will be a critical tool for raising awareness and educating South Carolinians on the devastating effects of this disease, serving as an incredibly important component of the statewide effort to rid South Carolina of this terrible problem.”
Just Plain Killers officially launched with a press conference with Governor McMaster at the State House in Columbia, S.C., on Wednesday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m.
For more information about safe storage, disposal and use of prescriptions, as well as where to find help for yourself or a loved one affected by opioid use disorder, visit www.JustPlainKillers.com or follow the social channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @PlainKillersSC.
About DAODAS
The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) is the South Carolina government agency charged with ensuring quality services to prevent or reduce the negative consequences of substance use and addictions through a statewide system of local substance abuse agencies that provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services. For more information, visit www.daodas.sc.gov.