News Summary

Aiken County detention center is implementing new addiction recovery programs funded by the national opioid settlement to support inmates with substance use disorders. The initiative aims to decrease recidivism by providing necessary resources and peer support specialists. With funding from the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund, the sheriff’s office is committed to addressing addiction issues. This includes educational programs and a newly expanded facility to accommodate more inmates, reflecting a community-focused strategy to tackle the opioid crisis effectively.

Aiken, South Carolina – The Aiken County detention center is launching new addiction recovery programs, funded by the national opioid settlement, to assist inmates struggling with substance use disorders. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for rehabilitation efforts, ultimately working to reduce recidivism rates.

Funding for these programs is sourced from the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF), which was established in 2022 following settlements with pharmaceutical companies over their role in the opioid crisis. SCORF is designated for projects focused on the treatment and prevention of opioid use disorder.

As part of these recovery programs, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has hired four peer support specialists who will work directly with inmates. These recovery coaches are expected to facilitate connections and provide necessary resources for individuals seeking to overcome their addictions.

Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer has emphasized the sheriff’s office’s commitment to supplying inmates with the tools they need to succeed post-release. He stated that the program’s initiatives are essential in addressing the issue of repeated incarcerations linked to addiction.

To support these efforts, SCORF funds have already been allocated for a comprehensive needs assessment study and tactical planning, which underscore the strategic approach to addressing addiction issues within the detention center. Plans for an educational center offering General Educational Development (GED) courses and substance abuse training are also underway, funded through these settlement dollars.

A recently constructed 150-bed wing at the detention center bolsters the facility’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate up to 467 inmates. This increase in capacity is anticipated to improve the availability of recovery resources for those incarcerated.

The overarching goal of these recovery programs is to tackle both mental health and substance use issues facing inmates. According to recent statistics, opioid-related deaths nationwide have surpassed 850,000 since 1999, with 2.1 million individuals in the U.S. currently battling opioid use disorder. In South Carolina alone, approximately $750 million will be allocated from opioid settlements over the next several years, providing substantial opportunities for local recovery initiatives.

Aiken County reported a concerning total of 100 accidental overdose deaths in 2023, averaging two per week. In light of this crisis, collaborative efforts at the Aiken Center have played a significant role in reducing overdose deaths in recent years by employing a community-focused strategy.

The Aiken Center is further planning to enhance its outreach efforts by introducing educational programs aimed at preventing drug abuse within local schools. This proactive approach signifies a commitment to combat substance use disorders at various levels of the community.

As these programs roll out in the Aiken County detention center, the anticipation is that not only will they benefit the individuals involved, but they will also have far-reaching effects on families and the community as a whole. The synergy of efforts involving different organizations has been highlighted as crucial for successful outcomes in addiction recovery.

Sheriff Sawyer has expressed a strong resolve to maintain the addiction recovery programs for as long as he remains in office, showcasing a sustained commitment to addressing this critical issue within the county.

The implementation of these addiction recovery programs marks a significant step forward in combating the opioid crisis at a local level, providing hope for many individuals incarcerated in Aiken County.

Aiken County Launches Addiction Recovery Programs for Inmates

News Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: hereaiken