Health
Deal to move SC environmental agency called off, new office search begins
COLUMBIA – Two days after a panel of South Carolina lawmakers gave key approval for plans to move thousands of state agency employees to offices outside of downtown Columbia, a portion of the deal fell through. Realtors representing Colonial Life insurance company told the state Department of Administration it was unable to relocate an existing […]
SC public health agency urges people to get a flu shot
COLUMBIA — As the number of flu-like illnesses climbs in South Carolina, the state’s public health agency is encouraging people to get their flu shot for National Influenza Vaccination Week. There were 1,691 confirmed cases of flu in South Carolina the week of Nov. 19 through Nov. 25, bringing the total this season to 7,229. Four […]
From COVID to climate change, Republicans question CDC’s role in keeping public safe
It’s been more than two and a half years since Alabama dropped its mask mandate as part of its COVID-19 safety guidance. But last week, U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R – Alabama) was fixated on whether the Centers for Disease Control would reimpose such a requirement. “It’s good that we’re in a different place and […]
New SC sickle cell disease registry aims to fill gaps, speed up treatment
COLUMBIA — South Carolinians with sickle cell disease can voluntarily add their names to an online registry that’s meant to eventually increase access to care and speed up treatment. The state’s public health agency announced the launch Friday of the secure, private registry accessible by patients, their caregivers and doctors. More than 100,000 people in […]
Local health departments in SC to offer free HIV, STD tests
COLUMBIA — Free testing for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, will be available across the state Tuesday. Statewide, 49 locations will offer tests for the virus that attacks the immune system in honor of World AIDS Day, which is meant to raise awareness of the disease, the state’s public health agency announced Friday. Testing will […]
‘Forever chemicals’ in thousands of private wells near military sites, study finds
Water tests show nearly 3,000 private wells located near 63 active and former U.S. military bases are contaminated with “forever chemicals” at levels higher than what federal regulators consider safe for drinking. According to the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that analyzed Department of Defense testing data, 2,805 wells spread across 29 states […]
Some states act to protect residents from extreme heat — with a new focus on young people
After two years of record-breaking heat that brought a surge of deaths and health emergencies, several states have enacted or are considering measures designed to protect residents — with a new focus on younger people whose vulnerability is rising with the temperatures. Nationally, heat-related deaths rose from about 1,000 in 2018 to 1,722 in 2022 […]
Jimmy Carter attends ceremony for wife of 77 years as celebration of Rosalynn Carter continues
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s life of service and advocacy was celebrated Tuesday at a tribute ceremony in Atlanta attended by the current president and first lady and other dignitaries. Carter, 96, died last Sunday at her home in Plains just a few days after her family announced she had entered hospice. She was diagnosed […]
New SC website offers help on how to talk to kids about drugs, alcohol
COLUMBIA — A website encouraging parents to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol launches Wednesday as part of South Carolina’s effort to combat substance abuse. The Open Conversation SC website will include facts about drugs and alcohol, instructional videos on how to talk to children as young as 4 and as old as […]
Free vaccines offered through Autism Society of SC, with focus on elderly and disabled
NORTH CHARLESTON — Free COVID-19, flu and shingles vaccines will be available Monday in North Charleston as part of a federally funded program meant to increase access to immunization. The Autism Society of South Carolina is working to vaccinate more people who may otherwise hesitate. After Monday’s event at the North Charleston Library, the next […]
SC high court refuses to take up latest abortion challenge, lets ban stand at 6 weeks
COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s high court refuses to directly take up abortion providers’ latest attempt to overturn the state’s abortion ban, keeping it illegal roughly six weeks into a pregnancy. Justices unanimously denied the request from Planned Parenthood and the Greenville Women’s Clinic to directly consider their latest challenge, which centered on what point in […]
Evolving overdose crisis shakes previously effective treatments
BURLINGTON, Vt. — “You can’t inject a horse tranquilizer and think nothing bad is gonna happen” to you, said Ty Sears, 33, a longtime drug user now in recovery. Sears was referring to xylazine, a sedative used for animal surgeries that has infiltrated the illicit drug supply across the country, contributing to a steady climb […]