State health officials say drug overdose deaths in South Carolina increased by more than 50% after the COVID-19 pandemic started. Final figures from death certificates show 1,734 people died in drug overdoses in South Carolina in 2020, a 53% increase from the 1,131 deaths reported in 2019. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control says 1,400 of those 2020 overdose deaths were caused by opioids and fentanyl was involved in 79 percent of those fatal opioid overdoses.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Drug overdose deaths in South Carolina increased by more than 50% after the COVID-19 pandemic started, state health officials said, Final figures from death certificates show 1,734 people died in drug overdoses in South Carolina in 2020, a 53% increase from the 1,131 deaths reported in 2019, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control said.
On Tuesday the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control released its annual Drug Overdose Deaths Statistical Report for South Carolina.