The City of Columbia has rolled out a new public service campaign aimed at raising awareness about opioid overdose prevention and the importance of carrying Narcan, the life-saving overdose reversal medication.

The campaign, led by the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) in partnership with The Courage Center and A Second Chance Resource Center, carries the message: “Strong Communities Carry Narcan. Because Every Life Is Worth Saving.”

Funded through the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) Board, the initiative includes social media outreach, printed materials, promotional items, and seven digital billboards positioned along some of Columbia’s busiest corridors:

  • North Main Street

  • Elmwood Avenue (both directions)

  • Gervais Street

  • Harbison Boulevard

  • Greystone Boulevard

Each billboard serves as a reminder that Narcan saves lives and is a critical tool in fighting the opioid crisis.

Community impact has already been significant. As of June 30:

  • 387 people were educated on Good Samaritan laws

  • 278 individuals trained on how to respond to an opioid overdose

  • 492 naloxone kits and 429 fentanyl test strips distributed to at-risk individuals

  • 57 adults connected to peer recovery services, 53 to housing services, and 35 to employment opportunities through A Second Chance Resource Center

  • The Courage Center provided 58 recovery coaching sessions and trained 110 people to administer naloxone

More than 500 community members have been reached through outreach events, expanding access to education, treatment, and support services across Columbia.

“This collaboration reflects Columbia’s unwavering commitment to community wellness and second chances,” said Amy Free, ONSE SCORF Project Coordinator. “Together, these organizations champion recovery, resilience, and the belief that no life is disposable.”

For more information or to request free treatment services or case management, visit:

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