Lexington County residents faced not 1, but 2 epidemics last year.

Along with the covid-19 pandemic, the county battled a major rise in drug overdoses.

By the end of 2020, there were over 100 overdose fatalities.

To address the opioid crisis differently, community health partners Mar. 22 launched CORE, Coordinated Opioid Response and Engagement.

CORE equips Lexington County EMS overdose responders, and survivors being transported to Lexington Medical Center (LMC), with new tools and resources.

CORE links overdose survivors with a peer recovery coach from The Courage Center who will connect them to local treatment, recovery and other services. The Courage Center has trained a diverse group of new coaches for CORE.

In early March 2020, Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green hosted a meeting of key leaders to discuss the growing problem of overdose deaths in Lexington. Representatives from law enforcement, the Coroner’s Office, LRADAC, Emergency Services, The Courage Center, LMC, the business community, and other organizations recognized the need for collaborative action.

But the pandemic stifled movement.

By early fall 2020, the number of overdose deaths was trending toward a record high. In late fall, however, Lexington County received some good news: The Courage Center, in collaboration with county agencies and partner organizations, was 1 of 4 overdose reduction implementation projects to be funded in the US by the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO).

As part of CORE, the Lexington County Coroner’s Office will convene an Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) committee to identify missed opportunities that might have prevented deaths.

Lexington County will be the 1st in South Carolina to implement the OFR as recommended by the Bureau of Justice. The committee will meet monthly to review cases and compile recommendations to prevent future deaths.

Please visit www.couragecentersc.org or call 803-446- 3053 for assistance with recovery from alcohol and drug misuse.

Dr. Pam Imm is a LRADAC community psychologist and TCC board chairperson. Dr. Imm will facilitate the fatality review process.