Hurricane Helene: Public Health Department Closures

Latest updates: Hurricane Helene

Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.

Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.

Background Information

South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 44-37-50 requires hospitals and Department of Social Services (DSS) adoption services to provide education to parents and caregivers of newborns about the dangers of shaking a baby and the importance of parents and caregivers learning infant CPR. The statute requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to approve all videos to be used and to establish an educational protocol. The statute also requires hospitals to obtain a parent's signature on a DPH-prescribed form verifying that they have been given the opportunity to view the video. (Please find the videos and forms below). 

DPH provides an educational video free of charge for use by SC hospitals and DSS on the dangers of shaking an infant. If facilities choose to use a video other than the DPH-produced video, they must seek approval from DPH to ensure the consistency of the messaging (see link below).

DPH Video: "Abusive Head Trauma"

YouTube Links

Download Videos in MP4 Format

These videos are also available in DVD format - please send requests to ShakenBabySyndrome@dph.sc.gov.

New! Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Verification Statement Forms

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The verification form lists both the Abusive Head Trauma video and the Safe Sleep video. Do I need to have a separate form signed for each video or can I use the same form for both?

A: The same form is to be used to cover offering both videos. It is not necessary to complete two forms.

For additional questions, please contact the Bureau of Maternal & Child Health at ShakenBabySyndrome@dph.sc.gov or by calling (803) 898-0871.

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