Columbia, S.C. – As part of South Carolina’s continued efforts in combatting the opioid epidemic, healthcare professionals, state and local agencies, concerned citizens and law enforcement will once again come together for the S.C. Governor’s Opioid Summit, which will be held tomorrow, September 6 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

“We have an incredible team of people who have dedicated their time and energy to helping South Carolinians who are suffering from opioid use disorder, but we all recognize that there is more work to be done,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “That’s why it is so important that we come together each year to analyze the evolving challenges the state faces, identify best practices, and enhance the work we are doing to address those challenges. I’m proud to have the opportunity to recognize the dedicated local law enforcement officers, who are a crucial part of our team, and to call attention to the life-saving work they have done on behalf of South Carolinians.”

Sponsored by the S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), Select Health of South Carolina, and Molina Healthcare, the 2018 Governor’s Summit will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Christopher M. Jones, Director of the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, as well as Governor Henry McMaster’s recognition of 15 local law enforcement agencies that have saved hundreds of lives through their officers’ administration of Narcan, the drug that reverses opioid overdose.

“This year’s event will feature a wide selection of sessions that build on the education provided during the 2017 Opioid Summit,” said Sara Goldsby, Director of DAODAS.  “Our presenters will highlight real-life examples – such as those from Horry County – of how individuals and organizations have been turning information into action.”

In June of this year, Governor Henry McMaster announced the South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Plan, which details strategy and guidance developed to support state and local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The state Opioid Emergency Response Plan was developed as part of the ongoing collaboration of more than two dozen organizations that comprise the S.C. Opioid Emergency Response Team, which was created by Governor McMaster in December of 2017.

Joining DAODAS in presenting the Governor’s Opioid Summit are the state Department of Health and Human Services; Department of Corrections; Department of Health and Environmental Control; S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED); Chernoff Newman marketing communications firm; members of the S.C. Opioid Emergency Response Team; and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

WHO: Gov. Henry McMaster, S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Select Health of South Carolina, Molina Healthcare, keynote speakers, and other stakeholders

WHAT: 2018 Governor’s Opioid Summit

WHEN: Tomorrow, Thursday, September 6 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Gov. McMaster will speak at 11:30 AM)

WHERE: Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C.

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