The City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement announces continued SCORF funding and National Substance Use Prevention Month
October 7, 2025
WHO: City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
WHAT: The City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) is excited to announce that the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) has approved to continue funding its opioid abatement initiatives. The renewed funding period will run from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, ensuring that vital prevention, treatment, and recovery resources remain available for Columbia residents.
The SCORF program supports evidence-based strategies to reduce opioid misuse and overdose deaths while strengthening community safety. Through partnerships with A Second Chance Resource Center and The Courage Center, the ONSE has expanded prevention efforts, harm reduction, recovery support, and education across Columbia.
“The continuation of SCORF funding is a lifeline for our community,” said Amy Free, Research Analyst at ONSE. “This support allows us to not only save lives through naloxone distribution and overdose education, but also to connect residents to long-term recovery, mental health care, housing services, and employment opportunities.
2024-2025 Milestones achieved in partnerships with The Courage Center and A Second Chance Resource Center:
- Educated over 680 residents on Good Samaritan laws and overdose response.
- Reached nearly 15,000 people through prevention media campaigns.
- Distributed 670 naloxone kits, 630 fentanyl test strips, and 360 Deterra pouches.
- Connected more than 220 adults to peer recovery supports, with additional linkages to counseling, mental health care, housing, education, and employment services.
- Engaged over 700 residents at more than 20 community outreach events.
National Substance Use Prevention Month
October marks Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month, a national observance led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The campaign highlights the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, while honoring the work of local organizations and individuals who are making a difference in their communities.
The City of Columbia joins SAMHSA in raising awareness about prevention efforts and encouraging residents to learn more about available resources.
