FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 19, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. – In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to learn more about risk-reduction methods and show support for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 each year and is part of World Alzheimer’s Month.
“Equally as important for Alzheimer’s risk-reduction is making sure those living with Alzheimer’s Disease are receiving proper care and support,” said Jessica Plair, DPH’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Program Coordinator. “Our families, friends and neighbors are living with Alzheimer’s every day. Part of caring for them is removing stigmas and finding the best ways to promote healthy aging.”
In 2024, the Alzheimer’s Association reported that the number of people in South Carolina aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s Disease is 112,500. There were 219,000 care partners and the value of unpaid caregiving is estimated at more than $5.5 billion per year.
DPH is sharing resources for individuals, families and care partners who want to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease, including:
DPH’s Bureau of Healthcare Quality has a key role in the care of many South Carolinians living with Alzheimer’s through its oversight of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
Additionally, DPH’s Division of Injury and Substance Abuse Prevention (DISAP) received funds through a five-year Center for Disease Control and Prevention cooperative agreement as part of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Through the BOLD grant, DPH will work with the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) Advisory Council to implement statewide risk-reduction and early detection strategies.
South Carolina residents are encouraged to learn more and download a copy of South Carolina’s ADRD Statewide Plan.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 24, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining South University's Columbia campus and several community partners for a disaster preparedness event aimed at providing real-world experience for nursing students.
Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at 9 Science Court in Columbia, the event offers a variety of interactive stations to enable nursing students to work alongside public health and safety officials in simulated disaster scenarios.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 22, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to drop off unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs during the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 21, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Fruit and Vegetable Outlet Inventory (FVOI), a key initiative aimed at improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables for communities throughout the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 9, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The second full week of April is celebrated annually as National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) would like to use this week to remind pet owners that any dog – even close family pets – can bite a person and cause injury.