Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day Highlights the Dangers of Fentanyl and Counterfeit Pills

BHDD encourages South Carolinians to understand the risks, recognize the signs of overdose and carry naloxone

Columbia, SC – August 21, 2026 – On August 21, South Carolina joins communities across the country in recognizing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills and the steps individuals and families can take to prevent overdose. The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) encourages South Carolinians to learn about the risks of fentanyl, recognize the signs of an overdose and keep lifesaving naloxone readily available.

While South Carolina has seen a decline in overdose deaths in recent years, the continued presence of fentanyl and counterfeit pills means prevention, education and access to lifesaving resources remain critical.

Illegally made fentanyl can be found in counterfeit pills and mixed with other drugs, often without a person's knowledge. Pills made to look like prescription medications, including oxycodone and Xanax, may contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances. This makes it especially important for people to understand that they cannot reliably know what is in an illegally made pill.

“South Carolina has made encouraging progress in reducing overdose deaths, but we cannot let that progress lead to complacency,” said Michelle Nienhius, Manager of Prevention and Intervention Services at BHDD. “Education, prevention and access to tools like naloxone continue to be essential to protecting our communities and saving lives.”

Even a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a potentially lethal dose, depending on factors such as a person's body size, tolerance and past usage. DEA analysis has found that 42% of counterfeit pills tested for fentanyl contained at least 2 milligrams.

Fentanyl can also be mixed into drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, putting people at risk even when they do not believe they are taking an opioid. Recognizing the signs of an overdose and having naloxone available can help save a life.

Resources and prevention tools are available through Just Plain Killers SC at justplainkillers.com. For more information about statewide addiction services and resources, visit bhdd.sc.gov.

About BHDD

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is the cabinet level agency for behavioral health care and specialized disability services. For more information, visit www.bhdd.sc.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Beth Moore, Communications Director
elizabeth.moore@oidd.bhdd.sc.gov