- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 11, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – A federal grant worth $925,389 was recently awarded to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) to continue the agency’s collaborative efforts with stakeholders across the state to provide services for people who have experienced sexual assault. The funds also will allow DPH to increase awareness about sexual violence in underserved communities. The…, said Danielle Wingo, director of DPH’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, . “It is a privilege to collaborate with and advocate for these organizations." DPH’s SVSP focuses on assisting SCCADVASA and the RCCs in providing high-quality sexual violence services to people affected by sexual violence with funding provided by OVW. Rape Crisis Centers also provide prevention services through other sources of funding. All 15 of the state’s RCCs offer services that are deemed…, said Sara Barber, SCCADVASA’s Executive Director, . “This funding is critical to sustaining the services provided by rape crisis centers in communities across our state that provide hope, healing and a pathway to wellbeing for survivors of these devastating intimate assaults.” While the RCCs in the state continue to provide the best services they can, sexual violence is one of the most under-reported acts of violence. If you have experienced…, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), , visit the , National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, or reach out to a rape crisis center in your area: , Agency Name, Counties Served, Beyond Abuse Abbeville, Laurens, Greenwood CASA/Family Systems Bamberg, Calhoun, Orangeburg Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Inc. McCormick, Edgefield, Saluda, Aiken, Barnwell, Allendale The Family Resource Center Kershaw, Lee Foothills Alliance, Inc. (Currently changing their organization name to First Light) Oconee, Anderson Hopeful Horizons, Inc. Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 23, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – National Pharmacy Week is observed Oct. 20-26, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing the important contributions pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and Drug Control agents make to patient care across the state. The Pharmacy Section within DPH’s Bureau of Clinical Services is responsible for the operational, professional and…, said Caroline Sojourner, DPH pharmacy director, . “The pharmaceutical care provided by DPH’s pharmacists and pharmacy technicians is critical to the health and well-being of our families, friends, and all members of our communities.” DPH’s Bureau of Drug Control plays a key role in regulating those who manufacture, distribute, prescribe or dispense controlled substances by issuing controlled substance registrations and overseeing the state’s…, said Lisa Thomson, DPH Drug Control director, . “Their hard work helps prevent the misuse of controlled substances in our state, and Pharmacy Week is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents.” DPH’s Drug Control inspectors have two main focuses: a regulatory component and a law enforcement component. The regulatory aspect consists of monitoring controlled…, Any media seeking to talk with a DPH expert on this topic may email, media@dph.sc.gov, . ###
- … with 41 hospitals in 28 different counties. The team analyzed a total of 17,286 specimens from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, 44% specimens tested positive for Fentanyl and 31% of specimens that …
- … We may release your health information for public health activities to prevent or control disease, injury or disability; to report vital events such as births and deaths; to report … to notify people of product recalls; to notify a person who may have been exposed to a disease or may be at risk for contracting or spreading a disease or condition; to notify the … including information relating to sexually transmitted disease, HIV, TB, other communicable diseases, family planning, WIC, drug control, substance abuse, and mental health. We will not …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 4, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In conjunction with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the South Carolina Children’s Hospital Collaborative, the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, announces the release of the state’s inaugural childhood cancer report, titled “Childhood…, said Dr. Anna Hoppmann, pediatric oncologist at Prisma Health and Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, who served as the Childhood Cancer Taskforce chair. The Childhood Cancer Taskforce, Dr. Hoppmann said, was formed with experts from across the state with the goal of producing the first statewide report on childhood cancer. While South Carolina has produced reports on adult cancer in the past and those have informed cancer efforts moving forward, there had never been a childhood cancer report.…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, ., "This is an important example of taking data the state collects and engaging multiple partners with it statewide to produce something of significant long-term value." Dr. Aniket Saha, Prisma’s director of pediatric oncology in the Upstate, agreed. “This is the first step we have taken to help us and the citizens of South Carolina better understand and appreciate the current state of childhood…, Dr. Saha said, . “After reflecting on the report, we hope to create a platform for advocacy for children and their families and to improve outcomes related to childhood cancer with the hopes of helping our neighbors right here in South Carolina.” This collaborative report was made possible through the work of various stakeholders who are involved in caring for children with cancer in the state of South…, Chiodini said, . “Our mission is that this information be used to spread awareness or make improvements in the field of cancer. “We are excited that this collaboration with our partners at the Alliance and the Children’s Hospital Collaborative does just that." Dr. Hoppmann said this groundbreaking work could not have been possible without the support of all the state partners involved. “The state…, Dr. Hoppmann said, . “This is what happens when leaders in public health, pediatric oncology, and epidemiology put their heads together to understand the impact of childhood cancer in South Carolina.” Dr. Michelle Hudspeth, Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina, said the report represents an invaluable tool for…, Dr. Hudspeth said, . As part of the state cancer plan, DPH plans to update the Childhood Cancer Report every five years. To read the full report visit, sccancer.org/pediatrics . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Aug. 29, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is taking time to remember those lost to overdose and to highlight the need to address stigma centered around substance use disorder with an aim to end overdoses. “Sadly, many across our state have felt the pain of the loss of a loved one from an overdose,”, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director., “By working together, we can reduce the stigma around substance use disorders and raise awareness and access to the education, testing and treatment needed to save the lives and prevent future overdoses.” In South Carolina, as across the nation, fentanyl has become the primary driver for overdoses and the leading cause of overdose deaths. Without the user’s knowledge, fentanyl is often mixed with…, DPH and Partners Works to Increase Access to Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips, DPH is diligently working to enhance access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips statewide. Complimentary Overdose Prevention Safety Kits are available to all community members at DPH health clinic locations . These kits contain test strips, naloxone (Narcan), treatment resources and instructions for their use. “The distribution of Narcan is an important strategy in our aim at providing a vital…, said DaAsia Hamilton, DPH Substance Use Prevention Director, . “By ensuring that Narcan and fentanyl testing strips are readily available where it’s needed the most, together we can save lives and support healthier communities.” Naloxone, when administered in time, can reverse the effects of overdose from opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and others) and heroin. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and does not…, Dashboard Helps Communities to Take Actions to Prevent Overdoses, Additionally, to keep track of new drug trends and changes in the local drug supply, DPH’s biosurveillance team works with hospitals across the state to gather detailed information about different substances. This information is available to the public through a comprehensive Overdose Biosurveillance Tracking Dashboard . The dashboard helps community members, health care professionals and…, DPH recommends the following tips to South Carolinians to prevent overdose deaths:, , Be Aware:, Understanding the risks associated with fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Always assume that drugs purchased illicitly could be contaminated with fentanyl., Know the Signs:, Learn about the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose., Carry Naloxone (Narcan), : Narcan is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Knowing how to use Narcan could save a life., Reach Out:, If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, seek help. Local resources and support groups are available to assist in recovery., Get Free Opioid Overdose Kits at DPH Health Clinics, : Pick up a free Overdose Prevention Safety Kit from a local health clinic so you are prepared to respond during an opioid overdose. If you or someone you know has experienced an overdose, it's crucial to seek immediate treatment to ensure recovery and prevent future occurrences. Overdoses are critical medical emergencies, but prompt treatment can help individuals recover and begin the journey to…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 8, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health joins the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) and the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) in emphasizing the importance of mental health while dealing with the wide-ranging impacts of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. In addition to posing physical health risks,…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “They were friends, neighbors, co-workers and helpers. We must remember that these people who have died are missed every day, and they have family and friends who love them and are deeply affected by their deaths. “The grief they feel will extend long beyond the cleanup efforts are over, and their loved ones have our deepest respect and sympathies.” DPH, SCDMH and DAODAS encourage South…, Take breaks, from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about Hurricane Helene or other stress-inducing issues repeatedly can be upsetting. , Take care of your body: , eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid alcohol and drugs. , Make time to unwind, and participate in activities you enjoy. , Connect with others., Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. , Don’t be afraid to reach out for help., It is OK to need assistance to stay mentally healthy. “The need for support doesn’t end when the storm passes, and you don’t have to do this by yourself,”, said Robert Bank, SCDMH acting state director, . “Many of us – our family, friends, and neighbors – will need ongoing help to emotionally recover from this devastating event. SCDMH’s unified system of care is fully functional and ready to help. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact your local mental health center, our statewide mobile crisis line, call or text 988, or utilize one of our anonymous, online screeners or the no…, said Sara Goldsby, DAODAS director, . “It is expected that everyone may be feeling some effects of the hardship and loss our state is experiencing. Taking time to address the mental and emotional impact of this disaster is equally important in the overall recovery effort. We want everyone to know that it's okay to reach out for support.” In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA)…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 14, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of Birth Defects Awareness Month in January, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) are encouraging residents to embrace and support the families of children in their communities with birth…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim DPH Director, . “As we observe Birth Defects Awareness Month, we’d like to thank our state’s birthing hospitals and outpatient providers, who play a vital role in the efforts of the South Carolina Birth Defects Program by providing timely records that allow us to collect important data and connect families to critical services.” SCDHHS is the state agency that operates South Carolina’s Healthy Connections…, said SCDHHS Interim Director Eunice Medina, . “Through administering the Healthy Connections Medicaid and BabyNet programs and our collaborative work in leading SCBOI, SCDHHS looks forward to working with providers and stakeholders to ensure the healthiest possible start to life for those we serve.” DDSN plans, develops, coordinates and funds services for residents with various severe, lifelong disabilities. DDSN provides various…, said Joyce Kimrey, DDSN’s Early Intervention Director, . “Through our state agencies and partner organizations, there are numerous resources available to families, so we encourage parents to take advantage and give their children the best opportunity to succeed.” Tips and resources for preventing birth defects can be found on DPH's website . For more information on early intervention services, visit DDSN’s Children's Services webpage for links to…
- … experience including acute and outpatient pediatric nutrition care with a focus on renal disease, and adult acute, outpatient and subacute nutrition care. Her experience has spanned the … experience including acute and outpatient pediatric nutrition care with a focus on renal disease, and adult acute, outpatient and subacute nutrition care. Her experience has spanned the …
- … for patients receiving treatment and those in remission Health equity Epidemiology Disease surveillance Community health interventions How do I join a project ECHO session? … specialized knowledge and training sessions conducted by experts in cancer and other chronic diseases. This ongoing education helps professionals stay updated on the latest advancements and … community. Expansion of Program Offerings: Because of DPH’s success Project ECHO pilot in 2019-2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) awarded the agency RFA-DP22-2202 funding to …