It’s that time of year again! Clean out your cabinets and drawers and bring your expired, leftover, or unused prescriptions to a participating DEA Take Back Day location near you on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
In light of the recent health advisory issued by DHEC, we spoke to Christina Galardi, a public health analyst in the Bureau of Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention at DHEC. The ongoing opioid epidemic combined with the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some alarming statistics. Christina weighs in on those trends and explains why the DEA event is so important, especially now.
Since 1995, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has celebrated National Health Education Week (NHEW) during the third week of October. NHEW is focused on increasing national awareness on major public health issues and promoting a better understanding of the role of health education. This year’s theme is “Health Education as a Catalyst for Change.”
“Whether collaborating with community partners to conduct community needs assessments and develop community health improvement plans, educating new parents on the importance of a properly installed child passenger safety seats or working to address and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, our DHEC Health Educators are a critical part of our agency and the work we do,” said Suzanne Sanders, Community Health Services External Systems Manager. “They serve as catalysts for change within their communities every single day.”
About 30 employees serve on this team at DHEC.
Health education specialists offer knowledge, skills and training that complement health care providers, policy makers, educational experts, human resource personnel and many other professionals whose work impacts human health. Health education specialists promote and improve health literacy and equity through research, education and advocacy. Health equity and literacy are important determinants of health status.
“Health educators are key players in promoting DHEC’s mission to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and environment,” Sanders said.
Regional Community Systems directors are planning activities and recognitions throughout the week in their respective regions.
This week is National Midwifery Week and DHEC recognizes the exceptional work that licensed midwives and their apprentices accomplish across South Carolina. This year’s theme is “Midwives for Equity,” and highlights midwives’ belief that every person has a right to equitable, ethical, accessible and quality healthcare.
Licensed midwives provide prenatal care, primary assistance in the birthing process, initial care of the newborn and postpartum care of the mother. The midwifery model of care empowers individuals and communities, creates compassionate partnerships, and personalizes care based upon each individual’s life experiences and knowledge.
DHEC is the licensing and regulatory agency for direct-entry midwives practicing in SC, and we continue to communicate with midwives, their consumers, their supporters, and the Midwifery Advisory Council (MAC) to ensure that the community’s voices are being heard.
Live Healthy S.C. 