MONKS CORNER, S.C. - Berkeley County Council voted Monday night to approve $1.2 million in opioid recovery. The money will be dsitributed to 8 different organizations. This money comes from a larger national settlement of $26 billion. South Carolina as a state will receive $360 million over the next 18 years.

Funding may only be used for one of nine specific treatment options. According to the South Carolina Department of public health, in 2022, 2,296 drug overdose deaths occurred in South Carolina (SC), which was a 6% increase from 2021. That was the same year the national settlement was reached.

South Carolina governor Henry McMaster first identified South Carolina's opioid problem as an emergency back in 2017. 

"We are confident that if there is a group capable of combating this problem, providing treatment for those affected, and bringing about tangible results that will change lives, it’s this group of dedicated, talented individuals that we have been able to put together.” McMaster said.