S 0696  Concurrent Resolution, By Setzler and Shealy
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO SEEK TO DESTIGMATIZE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, SHARE
 REAL STORIES OF HOPE AND RECOVERY, AND INSPIRE LEXINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS TO
 SEEK HELP AND SUPPORT BY CHOOSING #COURAGEOVERSTIGMA.

   03/24/21  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House
                     (Senate Journal-page 5)
   04/06/21  House  Introduced (House Journal-page 16)
   04/06/21  House  Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial
                     Resolutions (House Journal-page 16)
   05/05/21  House  Committee report: Favorable Invitations and
                     Memorial Resolutions (House Journal-page 66)
   05/06/21  House  Adopted, returned to Senate with concurrence
                     (House Journal-page 33)

COMMITTEE REPORT

May 5, 2021

S. 696

S. Printed 5/5/21--H.

Read the first time April 6, 2021.

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 696) to seek to destigmatize substance use disorder, share real stories of hope and recovery, and inspire Lexington County residents, etc., respectfully

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:

DENNIS C. MOSS for Committee.

TO SEEK TO DESTIGMATIZE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, SHARE REAL STORIES OF HOPE AND RECOVERY, AND INSPIRE LEXINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS TO SEEK HELP AND SUPPORT BY CHOOSING #COURAGEOVERSTIGMA.

Whereas, substance use disorder is prevalent in South Carolina, and instances of opioid overdose increased for five years consecutively from 2014 through 2019; and

Whereas, fatal overdoses from opioids increased in Lexington County from 2018 to 2019 by more than forty-eight percent; and

Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the isolation, fear, stress, and grief experienced by those with substance use disorders and has increased barriers to treatment and recovery support; and

Whereas, The Courage Center seeks to raise awareness and decrease stigma related to addiction initially within six targeted overdose "hotspots" in Lexington County; and

Whereas, by collaborating with community members in Cayce, West Columbia, Gaston, Irmo, South Congaree, and Swansea, The Courage Center is working to educate residents that substance use disorders are a chronic brain disease and not moral failures or weaknesses; and

Whereas, stigma can reduce the willingness of individuals to seek treatment, and stereotyping can impact the care they receive; and

Whereas, The Courage Center provides a safe, judgement-free space for those seeking resource navigation, peer-recovery support, and evidence-based programs specifically for adolescents and emerging adults ages fourteen to nineteen, who are harmfully engaged in substance use, and for their families; and

Whereas, more than one hundred twenty-eight thousand residents of Lexington County will be reached through this campaign to reduce the stigma related to substance use disorder. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, seek to destigmatize substance use disorder, share real stories of hope and recovery, and inspire Lexington County residents to seek help and support by choosing #CourageOverStigma.