City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day
September 9, 2025
The City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement will commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, August 31, 2025, joining global efforts to honor lives lost to overdose and raise awareness about prevention.
In partnership with A Second Chance and The Courage Center, the city has made significant strides in overdose education and recovery support. Over the past six months, outreach efforts have:
- Educated 387 residents on Good Samaritan laws and 278 on overdose response
- Distributed 492 naloxone kits and 429 fentanyl test strips
- Connected dozens to housing resources, employment opportunities, and peer recovery services
- Engaged more than 500 community members through public events
In July 2025, The City of Columbia launched its public service campaign to raise awareness about opioid overdose prevention. In a united effort led by the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), The Courage Center, and A Second Chance Resource Center, the initiative delivers a clear and vital message: “Strong Communities Carry Narcan. Because Every Life Is Worth Saving.”
This initiative is funded through the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) Board and the billboards are part of a comprehensive multimedia campaign that also includes social media, printed materials, and promotional items. Seven digital billboards now stand tall along high-traffic corridors.
Billboards are located at:
- North Main Street
- Elmwood Avenue (Both directions)
- Gervais Street
- Harbison Boulevard
- Greystone Boulevard
Each digital billboard serves as visual reminders that Narcan saves lives. Columbia remains committed to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and expanding access to life-saving resources.
To learn more about the SCORF project or to request free treatment services or case management, visit the partner websites:
The Courage Center | https://www.couragecentersc.
A Second Chance Resource Center Network United, Inc. | https://ascresource.org/
City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement | https://crimeprevention.
