- … 1,600 deaths in South Carolina in 2022. DPH is one of 66 recipients awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action cooperative agreement. The DPH … South Carolina. School naloxone distribution was made possible with funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cooperative agreement Overdose Data-to-Action. This effort is …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 10, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) in reminding residents to take active precautions to stay safe as temperatures drop and bring potentially dangerous conditions. While South Carolina winters are typically mild, severe winter weather can still occur, potentially bringing snow,…, said, Kim Stenson, Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. “, Preparation today can make all the difference when hazardous winter weather strikes.” The South Carolina Emergency Management Department (SCEMD) offers a Winter Weather Guide to help residents prepare for hazardous winter weather. As recent storms have shown, extended power outages can cause significant and potentially life-threatening conditions that could be made far more dangerous when…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “This can be especially true for our vulnerable populations, like newborns, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. We encourage all South Carolinians to take steps to prevent potential injury, including dressing for colder conditions, taking additional measures to avoid falls , and being extra cautious while driving.” Use of space heaters and fireplaces during the winter months…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 23, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — National Maternal Health Awareness Day is Thursday, Jan. 23, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is emphasizing the need to understand and address the causes of maternal deaths, most of which are preventable. South Carolina ranks 8th highest for maternal mortality in the United States. In 2020 , South Carolina saw a 16.3% decrease in the…, said Danielle Wingo, DPH Bureau of Maternal and Child Health Director, . “However, there is an urgent need to enhance our prevention efforts considering South Carolina's ranking in the nation and the disparities in maternal outcomes.” According to the 2024 South Carolina Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee (SCMMMRC) Legislative Brief , more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. The leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths from 2018…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 6, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In celebration of National Food Bank Day Friday, Sept. 6, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) thanks our dedicated statewide partners who operate food banks and pantries that provide sustenance and fresh food to South Carolinians in need. One in eight South Carolinians – including one in six children – are food insecure, according to the nonprofit…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “The hundreds of food banks and pantries across our state are a true community effort, relying on those who operate and support them as well as those who donate to them. Today, we thank our residents who provide assistance to their fellow residents in need.” Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services…, said Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, . “This partnership is one of the many ways CBSHS and the Department of Environmental Services are working to improve the health and well-being of South Carolinians, and I am proud of how the Food Access Map continues to meet individuals’ needs and support food bank services across the state.” , Some Ways DPH is Helping Reduce Food Insecurity in South Carolina , In January, staff from DPH’s Bureau of Community Nutrition Services volunteered at Harvest Hope Food Bank - Columbia . Staff members helped inspect, sort, prepare and pack goods to be donated to the community. Harvest Hope is South Carolina’s largest food bank, feeding the hungry across 20 counties in South Carolina. In July, DPH partnered with Greenwood Counts Community Consortium (GC3) Food…, Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . In January, the Food Security Council submitted its final report to the legislature which included 16 recommendations to increase food security for all South Carolinians. ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 10, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – As World Suicide Prevention Day is observed Sept. 10, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) aims to raise awareness, spread hope and share vital information on how everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually during Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 8-14) and Suicide Prevention Month (September). …, 12th-leading cause of death, in South Carolina in 2021, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and was the third-leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 34. As outlined in DPH’s most-recent detailed mortality statistics , suicide accounted for , 849 deaths, in South Carolina in 2022. “Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone of any age and walk of life, and, while common, should be addressed with care and sincerity,”, said Kacey Schmitt, DPH’s Director of Social Work, . “It can be hard to do, but it is vital that we have these important conversations with loved ones and others we care about.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers the following warning signs of suicide: Comments or thoughts about suicide Increased alcohol and drug use Aggressive behavior Withdrawal from friends, family and community Mood swings Impulsive or…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “These resources can be lifesaving to someone experiencing a mental health crisis, so it’s important that we make everyone aware that help is readily available.” , In South Carolina, the following options are also available to those in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress: , The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support via a mental health professional with the Lifeline network. To connect, call or text , 988, . The South Carolina Department of Mental Health Mobile Crisis clinicians provide 24/7 community-based crisis response anywhere in South Carolina. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact DMH's Mobile Crisis Team at 833-364-2274 . The SCDMH Deaf Services Hotline is dedicated to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and in crisis or in need of resources. It…, HOPE4SC to 741-741, (Español: , “AYUDA” to 741-741, ). Texts to this line do not use your data or show up on your phone bill. If a situation escalates into a crisis, you may have to call, 911, . NAMI offers advice for calling 911 and talking with police during a mental health crisis. ###
- 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, . ###
- … Columbia's PRAISE 95.7FM Emma Durrant and Deanna Gatling joined Columbia's Praise on December 19, 2024, to discuss the best ways to Winterize Your Home this season. Image Columbia's PRAISE …
- … upcoming June. Image Emma Durant and Deanna Gatling joined Columbia's Praise on December 19, 2024, to discuss the best ways to Winterize Your Home this season. Image Katie O'Shields …
- 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 . ###