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Dr. Renee Causey
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) proudly announces that Dr. Renee Causey, a dedicated professor in the field of Human Services, received recognition at the Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting for her outstanding contributions to a study assessing the state of the heroin and opioid epidemic in the local community. This recognition comes in commemoration of National Overdose Awareness Day, celebrated on August 31.
Dr. Causey has played a pivotal role and been at the forefront of addressing the pressing issues of addiction and recovery in the area. The invaluable study involved an in-depth examination of existing initiatives, identification of service gaps and redundancies, a review of local policies and resources, and the formulation of crucial recommendations. Key recommendations included advocating for a paradigm shift, securing state and local funding, enhancing public education, expanding peer education, supporting pathways to recovery, assisting viable programs, addressing service gaps, hiring an external coordinator, and establishing an Horry/Georgetown Continuum of Services.
This transformative study was made possible through generous funding from the City of Myrtle Beach, Horry County, City of Georgetown, Georgetown County, McLeod Health, Tidelands Health, Hospital Corporation of America, and Conway Medical Center.
Amy Prock, Chief of Police for the City of Myrtle Beach, expressed her gratitude by stating, "Dr. Causey continues to be a change maker in our community. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to continuing to make a difference for overdose awareness in our community and the lives of those who need support."
Since the completion of the study, the City of Myrtle Beach and service providers throughout the community have been diligently implementing the recommendations, which include:
- Launching an expanded local opioid initiative pilot program, coordinating services, offering scholarships, eliminating duplication, and increasing awareness and funding in Horry and Georgetown counties.
- Increasing public awareness through local schools and media outlets, while enhancing collaboration with service providers throughout Horry and Georgetown counties.
- Employing peer support specialists to reach out and provide assistance to individuals in need, meeting them where they are on their journey.
Notable board members of the Addiction Recovery Outreach Board include Trevor Greene, Chief Amy Prock, Mayor Brenda Bethune, Dr. Christina Lynn, Chief Judge Jennifer Wilson, Director Kathy Jenkins, Assistant City Manager Lisa Wallace, and Terri Nardslico.
Dr. Causey's study results, along with the collective efforts of service providers, community members, and government partners, are making a profound impact in the fight against heroin-related issues, saving lives, and strengthening communities.
Dr. Renee Causey is the 2017 HGTC Professor of the Year and serves as a faculty member in the Human Services program. She consistently looks for ways to serve her community through ACCESS FAVOR and other organizations focusing on social justice.