“Black Balloon Day” honors the 201 lives lost to drug overdoses in 2023
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The Lexington and Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, or LRADAC, held its third annual “Black Balloon Day” as a way to remember people that died from a drug overdose over the past year.
Director of Prevention Ashley Bodiford says the 201 deaths across Lexington and Richland counties is down from 219 in 2022.
But she says even one life lost is too great.
“If you know someone if you yourself are struggling, reach out. You can call, you can walk in, let us talk to you about what opportunities we have for plans or service, and anything like that and see what is the best fit for you. LRADAC is not cookie cutter, and everybody’s individual path is so different, so their care plan will reflect that based on what they need the most,” Bodiford says.
Through state block grant funding, LRADAC’s treatment plans are no cost to anyone needing help.
Free resources like Narcan, which rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, and fentanyl testing strips are available to the public anytime for free.
“Fentanyl is being mixed with lots of different substances, so individuals are getting one thing, using one thing, but actually it’s being laced with such a high dose, or not, of fentanyl because it really doesn’t take that much, and unfortunately we’re seeing the subsequent side effects of that happening,” she says.
Kenzie Jumper volunteers with The Courage Center — a recovery community organization.
“I myself am two and a half years into recovery. I’ve lost multiple people to overdose and addiction. Two are my best friends,” she says.
Jumper says she met Manning in the second grade and they were best friends ever since. Manning died from an overdose in March of 2022.
“His laugh was contagious, he loved everybody. He could make everybody laugh,” she says.
Her message to anyone struggling? Don’t let the stigma around drug and alcohol misuse stop you from reaching out for help, whether its through LRADAC or The Courage Center or another organization.
“Help is out there. And it is possible. I know it seems sometimes impossible… but… you can do it,” she says.
The Courage center is located at 860 Park Road in Lexington and can be reached at 803-369-3905.
LRADAC is located at 2711 Colonial Drive in Columbia and can be reached at 803-726-9300. LRADAC’s Lexington location is located at 1068 South Lake Drive and can be reached at 803-726-9400.
