Local group providing resources to those struggling with recovery
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Tuesday is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, and one local group is helping provide recovery resources.
The Serenity Behavioral Health Systems provided Narcan with demonstration stories, free HIV testing and more.
Doctors Hospital of Augusta investing millions to expand operations
Doctors Hospital of Augusta is investing more than $150 million to expand its operations in the CSRA. When completed, the expansions will add more than 110 full-time jobs.
Officials say fentanyl overdoses have been on the rise in Richmond County in the last year, mostly among young adults.
They say they are working to expand to more rural counties like McDuffie, Lincoln, Warren, Taliaferro and Wilkes to help people.
“Connecting with their health departments, their hospitals, their law enforcement, and we are bringing resources like Naloxone, hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness, wound care kits for folks who are using drugs to help keep their wounds clean and community-based education,” said Courtney Peters, outreach coordinator for Post-Overdose Response.
Blood drive to assist deputy injured during deadly traffic stop
Shepeard Community Blood Center is planning a blood drive Tuesday and Wednesday to help and honor Deputy Gavin White, who was shot in the face Saturday.
Peters also gave some advice for those who struggle with addiction.
“Always carry naloxone, it’s available over the counter,” said Peters. “If you’d like some for free, you can us and we can get you reconnected to any naloxone needs you have, safe overdose project, never use alone, so let someone know what you are doing and if you are going to be using, and just to test your drugs and stay safe.3:37.”
Earlier this month, we told you South Carolina saw a decrease in overdose deaths in 2023.
That’s the first time in more than a decade.
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