DHEC reminding people about overdose safety kits availability at state health departments

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– As the holiday season continues health officials are reminding residents of overdose safety kits available at health departments across the state.

DHEC says while the holidays are a joyful time for many, this time of year for many others can lead to stress, isolation and depression.

Those feelings can lead to increased risk of substance abuse, said DHEC.

“DHEC’s OD Safety Kits play an important role in our efforts to reduce overdose deaths in South Carolina,” said Director Sara Goldsby  of the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (DAODAS).

They’re encouraging anyone with loved ones struggling this season to visit the health department to pick up a free overdose safety kit.

Each kit comes with two doses of narcan, 5 fentanyl test strips, educational materials and guidance on how to identify an opioid overdose.

For more information on the kits click here.