MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — South Carolina has seen a 6% decrease in drug overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023, marking the first decline in a decade (2014), according to the Department of Public Health. State officials credit partnership with community-led intervention programs for the positive trend.
Andrew McDonald, president of The Center in Myrtle Beach, emphasized the importance of community leading the way when addressing overdose prevention. “This is unity in our community,” said McDonald. The Center, a non-profit organization, is opening a Family Life Center in the former Waccamaw Elementary School to support those struggling with addiction, life after incarceration, or seeking a fresh start.
“This is the process to where those people who are not dead but don’t know how to live can come and heal,” McDonald said. The faith-driven center will offer support groups, biblical counseling, GED courses and more to aid the Myrtle Beach community…