Serving the CSRA

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Our organization, The Square A Foundation, is deeply committed to serving our community by raising awareness and advocating for opioid addiction treatment. 

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We understand the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, with over 760,000 people having died from drug overdoses since 1999, and opioids involved in nearly 75% of 2020’s cases. In response to this national emergency, we are taking proactive steps to combat this crisis locally.

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We believe in the power of holistic health and promote healthy alternatives such as regular diet and exercise, the use of things like haritaki fruit, and other time-honored natural remedies from our brothers and sisters across the globe. These practices not only contribute to overall well-being but also serve as preventative measures against substance misuse.

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Recognizing the importance of collaboration in addressing this crisis, we are forging partnerships with both national and local businesses that share our commitment to this cause. These partnerships will enable us to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify our impact.

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As part of our ongoing efforts, we are planning to establish a community center in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). This center will serve as a hub for our various initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis. 

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Here are five key aspects of our plan:

Awareness Campaigns: The center will host regular awareness campaigns to educate the community about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of early intervention.

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Advocacy Work: We will advocate for accessible and effective opioid addiction treatment options, ensuring those affected by this crisis receive the help they need.

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Promotion of Healthy Alternatives: The center will offer programs promoting diet, exercise, and natural remedies as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being.

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Partnership Initiatives: We will collaborate with our business partners to organize events, fundraisers, and other initiatives that support our mission.

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Community Engagement: The center will provide a space for community members to engage with each other, share their experiences, and support those affected by the opioid crisis.

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In conclusion, The Square A Foundation is dedicated to making a difference in our community by addressing the opioid crisis head-on. We believe that through awareness, advocacy, promotion of healthy alternatives, strategic partnerships, and active community engagement, we can help turn the tide on this national emergency.

Georgia:

866 people die from opioid overdose annually.

Prescription opioids contribute to 50.8% of opioid overdose deaths.

Heroin contributes to 34.5% of deaths.

Synthetic opioids are involved in 40.3% of deaths.

Opioids contribute to 61.7% of all overdose deaths.

8.3 out of every 100,000 residents die from an opioid overdose.

The state’s opioid overdose death rate is 43.2% below the national average.

0.34% of hospital births involve neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Enough prescriptions are written for 63.2% of residents to have one.

South Carolina:

835 people die from opioid overdose annually.

Prescription opioids contribute to 44.9% of opioid overdose deaths.

Heroin contributes to 21.9% of deaths.

Synthetic opioids are involved in 61.1% of deaths.

Opioids contribute to 74.2% of all overdose deaths.

17.1 out of every 100,000 residents die from an opioid overdose.

The state’s opioid overdose death rate is 17.1% above the national average.

0.5% of hospital births involve neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Enough prescriptions are written for 69.2% of residents to have one.

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National Stats Pre-COVID:

More than two million Americans used opioids.

Approximately half a million Americans used meth every week.

More than 130 people died every day from opioid-related overdoses.

Approximately 40% of opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid.

In 2019, an estimated 47,600 people died from opioid overdoses.

More than 10 million Americans misused prescription opioids in 2018.

From 1999 through 2019, there were more than 840,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States.

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National Stats Post-COVID:

Researchers observed increases in substance use and drug overdoses since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in March 2020.

Overdose deaths increased by more than 20% in the U.S during the pandemic.

Overdose deaths were already increasing before the pandemic, but the latest numbers suggest an acceleration during the pandemic.

Overdose deaths increased by approximately a third during the pandemic.

An estimated 93,000 persons lost their lives to drug overdose in the year following the start of the pandemic.

Overdose deaths increased more than 20% in over half of U.S states during the pandemic.

An estimated 100,306 Americans died from an overdose in the year following April, a period that included months of lockdowns and business restrictions across the country.

The opioid crisis, a devastating public health issue that has swept across the United States, led to a national public health emergency declaration in 2017. This marked the first time such a declaration was made specifically for opioids, highlighting the severity of the situation. The crisis was triggered by an alarming increase in the number of overdose deaths and addiction cases associated with opioids. These include both prescription and non-prescription drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Opioids are a class of drugs that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other areas of the body, reducing the perception of pain. This can produce a sense of euphoria, leading to their misuse. In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers. This led to an increase in prescriptions, and consequently, widespread misuse and abuse of these medications.

The misuse of prescription opioids opened the door for illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl to take hold. The availability and use of these substances have also increased significantly, adding fuel to the fire of the opioid crisis.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 760,000 people have died from drug overdoses since 1999. In 2020 alone, nearly 75% of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. These staggering figures underline the widespread impact of the opioid crisis.

The crisis has far-reaching effects that extend beyond individual health consequences. It has caused significant physical, mental, social, and economic harm to millions of Americans and their families. The ripple effects are felt in communities across the nation, straining healthcare systems, social services, and economic stability.

In response to this escalating crisis, the Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Eric Hargan declared a national public health emergency in October 2017. This declaration was intended to mobilize federal resources and remove regulatory barriers to increase access to treatment services. It represented a significant step towards combating the opioid crisis on a national scale.

However, while federal action is crucial, local efforts remain an essential component of addressing this issue. This is where organizations like ours come into play. The Square A Foundation is actively working within our local community in Augusta, Georgia to raise awareness about this national emergency.

We believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have in this fight. By raising awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the resources available for those struggling with addiction, we can help prevent new cases and support those on their recovery journey.

In our work at The Square A Foundation, we pay close attention to local trends and statistics related to opioid misuse. According to CDC data, there are significant urban-rural differences in drug overdose death rates for all drugs and by selected types of opioids and stimulants. Furthermore, there are variations in adult outpatient opioid prescription dispensing by age.

Additionally, it’s important to note that opioid misuse affects both males and females. However, compared with males, females had a significantly higher prevalence of current prescription opioid misuse (8.3% versus 6.1%) and lifetime prescription opioid misuse (16.1% versus 12.4%).

These statistics underscore the importance of targeted interventions that consider demographic factors such as age and sex. At The Square A Foundation, we strive to tailor our efforts accordingly to ensure we’re effectively reaching those most at risk in our community.

In conclusion, while significant strides have been made at both federal and local levels to combat the opioid crisis, there is still much work to be done. The Square A Foundation remains committed to doing our part in raising awareness about this national emergency at a local level.