Community Outreach
Community Outreach services at the Ernest E. Kennedy Center are designed to bring prevention, treatment, and recovery support directly into the heart of Berkeley County. Given the county’s large rural geography and significant barriers to transportation, outreach ensures that individuals and families receive life-saving education, intervention, and referral services within their own communities.
Through strong partnerships with schools, law enforcement, EMS, and local organizations, outreach staff provide opioid overdose education, Naloxone distribution, and linkage to treatment and recovery supports. Outreach services also extend into community hubs equipped with HIPAA-compliant rooms, telehealth capability, and broadband, enabling confidential and immediate access to care.
Community Outreach staff deliver evidence-based training on recognizing and responding to overdoses, including Naloxone administration, to first responders, schools, families, community groups, and the general public. These efforts not only prevent overdose deaths but also strengthen community capacity to support recovery and resilience.
Community Outreach Services are funded through a SCORF Grant:
The South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) was created from the national opioid settlement to help communities like ours fight back against the opioid crisis. These funds are given to counties and local organizations to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and life-saving services.
At the Ernest E. Kennedy Center, SCORF makes it possible for us to:
- Distribute free Naloxone (Narcan) provided by the Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS), so more families and community members can save a life during an overdose.
- Offer trainings in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods so people know how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
- Support Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and counseling services, bringing care to people who need it most.
In short, SCORF helps us bring more services and support into Berkeley County, especially in rural areas where access can be difficult. It allows us to reach people where they are, reduce overdose deaths, and strengthen recovery in our community.
MONCKS CORNER OFFICE
306 Airport Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 761-8272
(843) 577-9181
Fax: (843) 719-3025
GOOSE CREEK OFFICE
96 Wisteria Road
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 797-7871
Fax: (843) 797-8638
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