You may know that Anderson County alone accounted for 91 of the 3,814 overdose lives lost in the state in 2021. While we’re still waiting on the state data to be released, early data on the county level from the medical examiner has shown that Anderson County overdose deaths have gone down 67% at 66 deaths in 2022. While there is still work to be done and no one thing can be completely responsible for that decrease, we think it’s safe to say that a big part of that is the amount of first responders who carry naloxone and use it to save lives in Anderson County.
At our International Overdose Awareness Day event back in August, ASAP awarded all of the EMS, first responders, police and fire departments that have gone through the training and carry the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone through our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS). We know that these first responders work a thankless job that saves countless lives every day, so ASAP was excited to show just a fraction of the gratitude they deserved through this recognition.
And we’re not the only ones who know it! Recently Anderson County EMS was awarded a Service of the Year award for their efforts. Anderson County EMS director Nathan Sweet announced the award before the county commission and was met with a standing ovation.
ASAP of Anderson is ecstatic to be able to work so closely with the first responders of the county and hope to continue that for years to come. We hope that when thinking of things to be thankful for this holiday season, you include a thanks for the first responders in your area too.
Happy Holidays!
