CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Before anyone cracks open their first can on “Blackout Wednesday,” state health leaders are encouraging families to talk about the risks of heavy drinking.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is pushing its Open Conversation S.C. initiative around the holidays because it says there can be irrevocable consequences.

“Just being able to have those open honest conversations that are not confrontational,” Michelle Nienhius, the manager of Prevention and Intervention Services for the department’s Office of Substance Use Services, said.

“Thanksgiving holidays come in as the third most deadly with fatal crashes in our state,” Nienhius said.

Based on 2023 State Highway Patrol data, 11 people were killed in accidents acros

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