New Tool in the Fight Against Drug Overdoses

Drug overdoses have been a growing concern in Berkeley County over the past few years. The county has been working hard to tackle this issue, and recently, they received a significant boost. Last year, the county was awarded $1, 200, 000 to combat the opioid epidemic. Out of this amount, the coroner's office received $175, 000. This money was used to purchase a new drug detection machine called the Randox. The Randox is a game-changer for the coroner's office. Before this machine, it could take several months to get a toxicology report, which would tell them what drugs were in someone's system after they died. Now, with the Randox, they can get results in just an hour. This is a big deal because it allows them to act faster and more effectively. The Randox can detect around 30 different types of drugs. This includes common drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as newer ones like xylazine and bromazolam. The machine works by analyzing a blood sample from the deceased. This information is crucial for investigations and for alerting law enforcement and drug prevention partners. The coroner's office isn't just about identifying drugs after someone has died. They are also deeply involved in prevention and awareness. They believe that their efforts have contributed to a decrease in overdose deaths in the county. In 2023, there were 84 overdose deaths, but in 2024, that number dropped to 54. This is a significant improvement, and they hope that the new machine will help them continue this trend. The Randox isn't just for Berkeley County. The entire Tri-County area, including Charleston and Dorchester Counties, will benefit from this technology. This is important because drug overdoses are not just a local problem; they are a regional issue. The coroner's office is working with various agencies to reduce these deaths and provide hope to those affected. The Randox machine was installed last week, and the coroner's office personnel have been trained to use it. It is now officially ready for use. This new tool is a step forward in the fight against drug overdoses, and it shows the county's commitment to making a difference.