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Local opioid coalition outlines 2025 priorities after year of overdoses and outreach
Summary
The Chesterfield County Opioid Abatement Coalition (COAC) reported expanded naloxone distribution, testing and a diversion program plan for 2025 after the county saw suspected overdose spikes and confirmed fatalities last year.
Karen Short, director of the Chesterfield County Opioid Abatement Coalition, told the county council COAC aims in 2025 to expand overdose remediation, treatment access and prevention after a year that included a June overdose spike and several confirmed fatalities.
Short said COAC distributed more than 200 boxes of Narcan and 575 safe-disposal packets during the last year, and provided 85 fentanyl/xylazine testing kits. She cited county data showing 82 suspected overdoses reported to OD mapping systems, 43 Narcan deployments by EMS or first responders and 11 confirmed overdose deaths in the previous year.
Short outlined a 2025 strategy that includes a targeted media campaign titled "Help Is Here," expanded medication-assisted treatment through a partnership with Care South Carolina, a diversion program within the sheriff's department that would retain a diversion officer to connect qualifying criminal-justice-involved individuals with treatment rather than prosecution, and installation of naloxone distribution boxes at participating fire departments countywide. COAC said it will also expand OD mapping reporting and develop an overdose-respite response plan with the county coroner and emergency services.
Short said COAC has submitted a SCORF grant proposal that was approved in November 2024 and that she is preparing year-end reporting on expenditures tied to abatement strategies. "Being a part of COAC means that you believe that the loss of one is too many," she said, describing the coalition's work with local agencies, health providers and first responders.
Council members thanked Short and said they would continue to coordinate with COAC and county departments on items such as school-based prevention, first-responder training and ways to improve data reporting.
Ending: Short asked for continued council support for COAC's work and encouraged partnership on the diversion program and expanded naloxone distribution. COAC said it will return with updates as the initiatives develop.
