- … life. Just a few of DPH's services include providing vital health care services, coordinating disease control, supporting healthy nutrition, inspecting health care facilities, responding to …
- … 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:, 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 …
- … care to patients in their own communities. This initiative is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cooperative Agreement NU58DP007910. The content is solely …
- … 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 …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 17, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is partnering with 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 care during the holiday season. While the holidays signal joy and festivity for some, for others they can…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH Interim Director, . “Along with our partners, we want to ensure that all South Carolinians know that there are resources available to help you during the holiday season and throughout the year. You are not alone, and help is available.” SCDMH offers a variety of resources for South Carolinians struggling with mental health issues year-round. Hopeful Minds, provided by SCDMH, is a free online platform that…, said Dr. Robert Bank, SCDMH Acting State Director, . “Whether it’s economic pressures, family and social obligations, or feeling overwhelmed, it can be a challenging time. Please remember the most important gift you can give yourselves and those who love you is taking care of your health – both physical and mental.” About 451,000 people in South Carolina suffer from substance-related problems, according to DAODAS. The holidays can include…, said DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby, . “We know that preventing substance use and misuse before they take place is critical, which is why conversations about these topics can be lifesaving.” To help adults start this communication, last year DAODAS launched OpenConversationSC.com , which serves as a resource center to help parents know how to talk with their kids about a variety of topics. DPH is also highlighting the availability…