VIDEO: Breaking down barriers and meeting people where they are is one of the ways a new Dorchester County program will help those in need.
Dorchester County EMS is introducing a new “Leave Narcan Behind” program, which is a program used to meet people where they are who are struggling with opioid use.
There have been 221 suspected opioid overdoses and 10 deaths so far this year in the county, down from 310 overdoses and 34 deaths during the same time in 2024.
As opposed to waiting for the paramedics to arrive, this can act as a step in the life-saving process when you make a life-changing decision.
“They have an option there to prevent a loss of life,” Dorchester County Community Paramedic Angelina Johnson said.
Officials say this program isn’t about condoning or normalizing substance use, but rather providing resources to find the help you need.
“Addiction is a stigma and it’s something that having people in the field of recovery, having people that are in community, paramedicine programs that can help people like, ‘hey, we’re here when you’re ready. These are the tools, these are the resources,” Johnson said.
