KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — A new vending machine at the Kershaw County Detention Center isn't filled with your traditional vending machine items such as sodas and chips. This one, just outside of the detention center, is filled with free naloxone -- commonly known as Narcan.
Officials say the machine's location makes the potentially lifesaving rescue medication accessible to recently released inmates as well as family members, friends and supporters.
The machine is token operated, with staff available to give tokens out for free upon request.
“While we would certainly prefer that people wouldn’t abuse or misuse substances in the first place, this simply isn’t a realistic expectation” says Mara Jones, Executive Director of ALPHA Behavioral Health in Camden. “Part of the recovery journey is for the professional treatment community to meet our clients where they are. By having naloxone easily available, we know that we are putting a proven lifesaving tool into the hands that need it most. A life saved from overdose is another step closer to recovery,” she adds.
The vending machine was installed in part thanks to the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF). The machine is token-operated, but anyone can ask a Detention Center staff member for tokens, no questions asked. "The public can also visit any ALPHA Behavioral Health location, including 208 King Street in Camden, and we’ll give them naloxone, fentanyl test kits, and other resources free of charge and without questions or judgement,” said Kershaw County Opioid Coalition Director Kevin Rhodes.
Kershaw County Detention Center Captain of Administration Chevonne Workman says, “Many of our detainees have a substance use disorder. By having naloxone available upon release, we believe we’re giving them a chance to get a step closer to treatment, and therefore are less likely to return to the criminal justice system. That’s a win-win for everyone.”
A similar machine was opened at the Lexington County Detention Center in May of this year. The general public can get free overdose safety kits from county Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) offices.