April 29 marks Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic and highlighting resources available to help combat this growing crisis in communities across the Lowcountry. Local agencies, including law enforcement and health organizations, are reminding residents about the tools and programs in place to save lives and support those affected by opioid use.
Fentanyl Overdose Crisis in South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, fentanyl overdoses claimed the lives of 1,550 people in South Carolina in 2023 alone. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, including education, prevention, and access to life-saving medications.
Charleston County’s Naloxone (Narcan) Stand Program
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has been actively working to reduce opioid-related deaths in the area through its Naloxone (Narcan) Stand Program. This program aims to make Naloxone — a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — more accessible to the community.
Naloxone works by restoring normal breathing to individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose, but it has no effect on someone who is not under the influence of opioids. While Narcan is not a treatment for opioid use disorder, it is an invaluable tool in preventing overdose deaths.
CCSO recently shared an update on its progress, noting that in 2023, the county distributed a total of 10,611 doses of Narcan, resulting in a 30% reduction in unintentional overdose deaths. The initiative has proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities caused by fentanyl and other opioids.
Impact of the Mobile Naloxone Stand Program
In 2025, the impact of the mobile Naloxone Stand Program was particularly significant, with 4,097 doses of Narcan distributed by CCSO alone. Remarkably, nearly 70% of those doses came from the mobile stand program, a massive increase of 3,900% from 2024.
The program continues to expand its reach, helping to save lives and raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids.
Naloxone Stand Locations in Charleston County
There are several locations throughout Charleston County where residents can access Narcan, including:
- Short Trip – 10647 US 78, Lincolnville
- College of Charleston PD – 89 St Philip St, Charleston
- ECCO – 1145 Six Mile Rd, Mount Pleasant
- El Molino La Taqueria – 2901 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island
- Carolina Seafoods – 22 Oak St, McClellanville
- 5420 Rivers Ave, North Charleston
- North Charleston Lodge – 2551 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston
- Circle K – 2407 Ashley River Rd, West Ashley
- Consign Charleston – 1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, West Ashley
- Law Enforcement Center – 3691 Leeds Ave, North Charleston
Naloxone Stand Locations in Berkeley County
In addition to Charleston County, there are also Naloxone Stand locations in Berkeley County, including:
- Berkeley County Coroner’s Office – 102 Gulledge Street, Moncks Corner
- Ernest E. Kennedy Center – 306 Airport Drive, Moncks Corner
- WakeUp Carolina – 325 E. Main Street, Moncks Corner
- Goose Creek Fire Department – 201 Button Hall Ave
- Goose Creek Health Department – 106 Westview Blvd
- Goose Creek Police Department – 519 N Goose Creek Blvd
- Moncks Corner Health Department – 109 W Main St
How the Community Can Get Involved
Fentanyl Awareness Day serves as an important reminder that everyone in the community has a role to play in fighting the opioid crisis. Whether it’s through spreading awareness, using Naloxone in emergency situations, or supporting local organizations, every action can help save lives.
For those who may be at risk of opioid overdose or who are concerned about someone they love, access to Naloxone is a crucial first step in reducing harm and preventing fatal overdoses.
