Saving Lives and Reducing Stigma: Inside Mauldin Fire’s New Opioid Response Program

In a proactive effort to combat the ongoing substance use crisis and protect local residents, the Mauldin Fire Department has officially launched its new Opioid Response Program. The community-focused initiative is designed to strengthen local prevention efforts, raise public awareness, and directly reduce the risk of fatal overdoses within the city.

The program is headed by newly appointed Opioid Risk Coordinator Sam Garrison. Under his leadership, the initiative will focus heavily on community outreach by providing targeted education to local schools, businesses, and civic organizations, while actively working to dismantle the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.

Beyond education, the program establishes a direct pipeline to recovery, connecting individuals and families with critical support services, treatment options, and long-term recovery resources.

The Mauldin Fire Department’s new initiative will provide several key services to the community:

• Educational Presentations: Tailored informational sessions focusing on the complexities of substance use disorders for local institutions.

• Harm Reduction Distribution: Supplying at-risk individuals and community organizations with essential harm reduction tools.

• Overdose Response Training: Direct training specialized in teaching citizens how to quickly recognize the signs of an overdose and safely intervene.

“Together, we can prevent opioid misuse, reduce stigma and save lives,” the department shared in a statement introducing the program.

Local residents, business owners, or organizations seeking assistance, training, or resources are encouraged to reach out directly to Opioid Risk Coordinator Sam Garrison at (864) 630-6448 or via email at [email protected]. Additional program details can be found by visiting cityofmauldin.org/fire or by following the Mauldin Fire Department’s official Facebook page.