ALPHA Center and Kershaw County Partner To Provide Harm Reduction Materials

News  |  Published June 29, 2025

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Kershaw County, through ALPHA Behavioral Health Center, recently installed additional resources designed to increase availability and distribution of free harm reduction materials for people who struggle with substance abuse and misuse. Through funding provided by the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF), several static despensing stations are now available to distribute free Narcan (naloxone) and test kits for fentanyl and xylazine, two of the leading causes of drug-related overdose.

“Harm reduction is a proven and accepted practice in reaching people who use substances of abuse and misuse” said Mara Jones, Executive Director of ALPHA Behavioral Health Center. “Harm reduction is not only designed to keep people who use substances safe but is also often an important first step toward trust and recovery.”

Kershaw County now has freestanding outdoor machines which can distribute Narcan (naloxone) and test kits located at the KC Detention Center and the Mt. Pisgah Community Center, and a freestanding kiosk in the lobby of the new Bethune Town Hall located at 302 Norwood Street in Bethune.

Narcan (naloxone) can temporarily pause an overdose caused by opioids, including fentanyl. “It is important to know that Narcan, though effective, is only a temporary response to an opioid overdose” according to Jones. “A person revived by Narcan may behave normally following administration, but it is urgent that they still receive immediate medical attention.

Call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose.”

“Overdoses by fentanyl and other opioids continue to be a problem in our community” says Kevin Rhodes, Director of Kershaw County’s Opioid Coalition. “Though we have seen a slight decrease in the overall number of suspected overdoses across our county, we believe the real number is underreported. Distribution efforts like our free vending machines and kiosks are critical in getting harm reduction supplies and information to the people who need them most.”

“Our ultimate goal is to keep people informed, safe, and alive so that they can move closer to recovery and the life they deserve” says Jones. “Extending these free resources into our community is the right thing to do.”