Regional task force meets to address the deadly opioid epidemic

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Fentanyl is likely one of the medication fueling the lethal opioid epidemic, and it has not spared native households.

In 2022, our I-TEAM regarded into the rise in overdose deaths. From 2019 to 2022, Georgia noticed a 34 p.c enhance. South Carolina jumped 53 p.c, based on the newest information from the CDC.

We spoke with the state opioid activity power on how they plan to struggle these rising numbers.

In 2022, Richmond County noticed 84 deaths which the Richmond County Sheriff’s Workplace, RCSO, says is just too many.

“Nicely, 84 deaths is approach too many. We need to cut back some. We need to get them all the way down to zero,” stated Patrick Clayton, RCSO.

This is the reason a regional activity power is trying to lower numbers.

“I believe all people’s enthusiastic. Like at present, I used to be really heartened that we, based on the Division of Well being, we’ve seen a couple of six p.c lower in opioid deaths and overdoses. In order that’s, that’s factor,” he stated.

Division of Public Well being couldn’t say why overdose numbers are down, however everybody agrees it’s a step in the proper course. There are talks regionally to create laws to go after the sellers dispersing opioids or fentanyl, and nationally, Clayton says implementing follow-ups for individuals who overdose to maintain them heading in the right direction.

“The those that die from an overdose, they’ve had 5, 10 or 15 overdoses earlier than. You bought to get in there and get in there early and attempt to intervene and hold them killing themselves,” stated Clayton.

Richmond County has a number of companies doing follow-ups saying they will do higher, however Timothy Stevens, who has been sober for 10 years, has finished follow-ups in different areas and says he’s seen constructive outcomes.

“I used to be in restoration, and I used to be right here to assist them and, and simply give them a possibility to inform me what’s occurring and the way I might be useful,” he stated.

Clayton says he’ll work with these within the assembly to construct on what was mentioned and proceed the dialog earlier than the subsequent assembly in two to 3 months.

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