City of Myrtle Beach gets $500,000 in grant funding to help fight opioid addiction

The City of Myrtle Beach received a $500,000 grant to help fund an implantation plan to fight the ongoing opioid crisis.  Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, State Representative Alan Clemmons, Horry County Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock and others made the announcement Friday at City Hall.

South Carolina State Rep. Alan Clemmons worked closely with the city as a leader on the House Budget and Writing Committee to make sure the city received the funds. State lawmakers determined how much to give Myrtle Beach after research was done at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

The $500,000 will be managed by New Directions, which is the primary provider of shelter services in Horry County and it operates shelters for Men, Women, and Families with Children.  “New Directions is already established so it just made sense to partner with them in this effort,” said Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune.

Kathy Jenkins, Director of New Directions says the organization has a peer support specialist who has already assisted more than 300 addicts to treat opioid addiction. Mayor Brenda Bethune said a Board of Directors will be established to help measure the results of the plan and ensure the funding is being used properly. 

The plan includes working with organizations that are currently assisting addicts to help secure resources that will enhance the programs already in place.  Another part of the plan is an educational component to prevent opioid addiction.  Mayor Bethune said implementation of this pilot program should begin soon.  State Representative Clemmons said he encourages charitable organizations and community members with a giving heart to make donations to continue the program after the state funding has been depleted.