GCSO Partners with Damascus House Ministries to help substance abuse victims

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Government agencies and community leaders in Georgetown County are coming together to help incarcerated men who are battling with substance abuse issues.

According to a 2023 statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Opioid overdoses are a leading cause of death among recently incarcerated people. A recent study from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Abuse Services found that Georgetown is one of the ten counties with the most opioid overdoes.

“The problem is here. It’s everywhere, but it’s here at a level that’s just not acceptable. I commend the sheriff’s initiative to call upon the community to be a part of the solution,” said Jim Coggin, the president of Damascus House.

Damascus House Ministries, a faith-based group focused on rehabilitation, is working to change that.

“We’re now committed to our mission to transform people with addiction into disciples through three essential tasks: rescue, redeem, and restore through their family and friends. The process is happening at the Georgetown County Detention Center Right now.”

Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said he’s seen the program’s success firsthand.

“The program has been going on in our detention center since April. They have mentors, are housed together, and go through the three-week program together. They’re different individuals compared to when they were booked into our facility,” said Sheriff Weaver.

Officials from Damascus House said they’re planning to build a new facility in Georgetown in the coming years.

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