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:
Jun. 12, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians to take extra precautions to help prevent skin cancer while enjoying the outdoors this summer and beyond.
Every time you go outside your skin is exposed to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. This exposure increases your risk of getting skin cancer. Skin cancer can affect people at any age, and one in five people in the United States develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 10, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend more time enjoying private or public pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents about the importance of practicing water and swimming safety.
Each year, more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur in the United States. In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, 79 South Carolinians died because of unintentional drowning.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 9, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is observing National Men’s Health Week (June 9-15). The agency is encouraging men to take action to prevent health problems, including getting early health screenings that detect preventable diseases. Concluding on Father’s Day each year, Men’s Health Week is part of International Men’s Health Month.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 5, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Central Cancer Registry (SCCCR), part of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), recently earned Gold Standard certification from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). This is the highest certification standard awarded by NAACCR.