Technology meets public health in South Carolina

https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/news/technology-meets-public-health-in-south-carolina/

Publish Date: 2026-06-16 06:00:00

Government

Photo: Adobe stock

June 16, 2026

Innovative Solutions Consulting & Counseling Group, working with the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund and the City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, has launched what organizers describe as South Carolina’s first data-driven overdose prevention program, according to a Cola Daily report.

The vending machines offer secure access to naloxone and provide users with instructions and training materials through QR codes and on-screen educational modules. Program leaders said the technology collects information on usage patterns, inventory needs and location trends, allowing organizers to optimize machine placement and target resources where they are needed most. The effort also prioritizes underserved neighborhoods and includes coordination with emergency responders, healthcare providers and recovery organizations.

The program is supported by a public awareness campaign conducted with Gateway Outdoor and COMET, featuring multilingual outreach, volunteer ambassadors and community training sessions. Organizers said the initiative is designed to reduce barriers to naloxone access, encourage bystander intervention during overdose emergencies and serve as a model for other communities seeking data-driven approaches to addressing the opioid crisis.

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