South Carolina Community Unites In The Battle Against Rising Drug Overdoses
Lexington, South Carolina – Amidst the growing concerns over a significant rise in drug overdoses in the United States, South Carolina is stepping up its efforts to combat this issue. As per information released by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the state has seen a troubling 25% increase in drug overdose deaths from 2020 to 2021. In light of these facts, people from various communities gathered at the First Baptist Church in Lexington to remember those lost to overdoses and to support those still struggling with addiction.
Remembering the Lost, Supporting the Struggling
The event, organized by the Courage Center, saw community members sharing memories of their loved ones lost to drug overdose while highlighting the plight of those presently fighting addiction. The intention was to make community members struggling with addiction aware that they are not alone. The organizers ambitiously aim to slow and ultimately halt the expansion of this tragic list of names engaging more residents in their fight against drugs.
A Personal Mission
Susan Brunson-Bouknight, a mother who lost her son Jacob Brunson to a heroin overdose in 2019, spoke movingly about her personal loss. “It’s the worst loss a mother could ever experience,” she said. “I’ll never be the same. But there’s hope for someone else’s child or for another mother who can look and say I did, I didn’t do it wrong I’m doing something right and I’m not alone.” Susan has since dedicated her life to support others dealing with addiction, by spreading hope and the crucial message that they’re not alone.
As the drug crisis intensifies, this gathering underlines the importance of community engagement and support in dealing with the problem. It puts faces and ages to names, giving a tangible dimension to the issue for the greater community. The hope is that this approach can open more eyes to the seriousness of the situation and garner more support for the fight against drug overdoses.
