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. 2, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Tommy White and Shiloh Church roads in Pauline, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 1, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In 2023, for the first time in more than a decade, South Carolina saw a decrease in the number of overdose deaths in the state, outlined in the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s (DPH) newly released 2023 Drug Overdose Deaths Report.
Each year, DPH’s Drug Overdose Deaths Report provides data and information about the fatal drug overdose deaths that occur in the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mar. 31, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Gateview Court and Lamp Post Lane in Rock Hill, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mar. 24, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners across the country and globe in raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment methods in observance of World TB Day.