Organizations across the Lowcountry raise awareness during National Overdose Week

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Several organizations are coming together to bring awareness to the opioid crisis in the Lowcountry and to provide strategies and support to those who may be struggling with substance abuse.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 70,000 drug overdose deaths occur in the United States every year, including right here in the Lowcountry.

“North Charleston has responded to over 200 incidents of overdose in the first six months of the year. About 20 of those were fatal, but Narcan was administered in so, so many of them, and that helps preserve a life so that person can make a decision later on,” said Shelby Joffrion, the opioid coordinator for the city of North Charleston.

Nanci Steadman Shipman, who is the founder of Wake Up Carolina, lost her teen son Creighton to an overdose back in 2016. Since Creighton’s death, Shipman has dedicated her life to helping others avoid the same tragedy. It’s just one way she’s honoring her own son’s memory. 

“We celebrate the life they lived, the beauty, the charm, the humor, and the things that made us laugh. We honor them. Their lives meant something,” said Shipman.

Mount Pleasant will host its Light the Way for Hope event with free Narcan training and a luminary remembrance ceremony happening Thursday at the town hall at 7 p.m.