- 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:, 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. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 2,157 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina, a 6.1% decrease from the 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022. Prior to 2023, the last time South Carolina saw a decrease in drug overdose deaths…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “This data reflects our hard work and shows our state heading in the right direction. While we celebrate this achievement, we still have a long way to go in our efforts to reduce drug overdose deaths in our state.” While South Carolina experienced a decrease in drug overdose deaths overall in 2023, there were increases in almost one-third (15 of 46) of the state’s counties, including Aiken,…, said Sara Goldsby, South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) director, . “Implementing evidence-based strategies that enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts yields results. The supplemental federal funds that South Carolina has received in recent years have been instrumental in expanding access to treatment and recovery services, increasing prevention initiatives, and strengthening community-based support systems. These resources have allowed us to take…
- 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:, 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…
- … and lysosomal storage disorders, plus others (e.g., phenylketonuria-PKU, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis). A complete list of conditions screened for by the PHL can be found in … stories. CDC - Newborn Screening : Public health guidance and education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Great for understanding the science behind screening. ACMG - …
- … publications, cancer registry, Children's Health Assessment Survey (CHAS), chronic diseases, Data to Care (DTC), EPI notes, flu watch, HIV, AIDS & STDs, Health Data Symposium, …
- … 13 SC Tracking's New Disaster Preparedness Game Guest: Deanna Gatling, Bureau of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Episode 12 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) …
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- 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:, Aug. 5, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has published the 2024 report on prescription drug use in the state. The annual report provides a detailed assessment of controlled substances that are prescribed to South Carolinians, which can help health officials prevent prescription medication misuse, substance use disorders and opioid overdoses. Each year,…, said Samantha Donnelly, Prescription Monitoring Program, Epidemiologist, . “We are encouraged by the growing use of the PMP and the continued decline in overall controlled substance dispensing across South Carolina. At the same time, we remain vigilant in monitoring the rising use of stimulants and ketamine throughout the state.” Since 2014, South Carolina state law has required prescription medication dispensers to upload their daily dispensations into the state’s…, said Chelsea Townsend, PharmD, Prescription Monitoring Program, Director, . “DPH and its partners can use this data to help intervene in potential areas of prescription drug misuse, which can, ultimately, save lives. In addition to the annual report, the PMP publishes real time quarterly updates via our PMP dashboard . We encourage stakeholders to use these trends to make informed decisions in their local areas.” The South Carolina Prescription Monitoring Program and…, DPH reminds all South Carolinians that help is available for anyone experiencing substance use issues:, S.C. Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ (BHDD) Office of Substance Use Services: For information about treatment options and other resources, call 803-896-5555 or send a message to daodas.sc.gov/contact . The Office of Substance Use Services also provides a map and contact information for treatment providers around the state for those wishing to contact a treatment…