The city of Clemson announced on Jan. 21 a partnership with Faces and Voices of Recovery Upstate, a local nonprofit organization that addresses substance abuse by providing free, non-clinical support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
FAVOR Upstate’s purpose is “so that everyone in the upstate region of SC has a fighting chance at recovery. Our work is focused on Rebuilding Lives, Healing Families, and Strengthening Communities,” according to its website.
FAVOR lists its primary activity as providing “personalized care” that “assists in managing acute withdrawal symptoms and empowers participants to continue avoiding use in the weeks, months, and years ahead, making a lasting impact in their lives.”
This initiative will be in addition to Clemson’s ONEbox Opioid emergency kits, released in the spring 2024 semester. Twenty-two buildings around campus now have the kit that obtains a free overdose reversal, Narcan, along with a training video on how to use it.
According to an announcement made on the city’s Instagram page, the collaboration will increase access to Narcan and fentanyl test kits throughout Clemson, including on CATbuses, and will be overseen by a dedicated regional coordinator who will liaise between the organization and local services such as Clemson and Pickens County EMS. The collaboration is in part being financed by a $172,000 grant.
“Making naloxone and fentanyl test strips accessible on CAT buses and throughout the community removes barriers that can mean the difference between life and death,” Alyssa Alexander, senior political science major and CUSG senator, said in an interview with The Tiger.
“I’m so glad to see the creation of a network of support rather than just the distribution of supplies,” she continued.
Madeline Brown, a senior dual major in women’s leadership and political science, noted that it is important for community members to be aware of potential overdoses and how to properly help someone who may need assistance.
“Seeing the City of Clemson make this initiative to keep the community aware and safe is refreshing. I think this is an amazing opportunity for students and people in the area to learn protocols, while providing valuable resources to help people,” Brown told The Tiger.
The city of Clemson added in its announcement that it is committed to improving the protection of its residents and providing resources to prevent deaths caused by overdoses.
