With 10 heroin overdose deaths in eight days, Horry County Coroner Robert Edge says this number is very concerning compared to the county’s average of two heroin overdose deaths per week.
“I think people want help, need help but the stuff has got a hold on them that won’t turn loose,” said Edge. “We think maybe this is a stronger batch of heroin brought in, or another mixture with fentanyl put in there. It’s just unfortunate we’re having all these deaths.” Edge said.
Driving up from Charleston to set up a stand in several parts of the county, volunteers with the South Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition handed out more than 100 emergency Narcan kits, with no judgment and no questions asked.
“We’ve had a ton of phone calls and Facebook messages, so we have a lot of people we are meeting up with personally to hand them kits.” said Brittany Vannort, a volunteer with the coalition.
An active volunteer and former addict, Vannort says Narcan can cost hundreds of dollars and for someone on the streets or living low income, it’s nearly impossible to get.
“This is significantly cheaper than the cost of someone being taken to the hospital, the emergency room, the intensive care unit, it’s also far cheaper than arresting someone and having them locked up in prison.” Vannort saiid.
All Myrtle Beach first responders now carry Narcan, but Vannort says for heroin users to be able to have the antidote on them can reverse an overdose even faster.
“If you aren’t alone and you dont use at the same time, whoever you’re with can inject you with the Naloxone and get you breathing long enough to call 911 and get you to the hospital. ” said Vannort.
