No matter how challenging the times, you are not alone in South Carolina, thanks to SC-HOPES, an anonymous support line connecting you with an experienced team of mental health and addiction counselors.
We are ready to help if you are overwhelmed by COVID-19 challenges, feeling overly stressed or anxious, coping with a natural disaster, struggling with addiction, feeling depressed, and don’t know where to turn.
Call 844 SC HOPES when you need to talk. SC HOPES, mental health, and addiction support for challenging times.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A health advisory issued yesterday by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) offers preventive strategies for prescribers and prescription drug dispensers across the state to address increased opioid overdoses since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although suspected overdose numbers have decreased since May, rates remain 50 percent higher than this time last year. The reports from South Carolina reflect national trends of increased opioid overdoses throughout the pandemic. DHEC expects COVID-19 will contribute to an elevated risk of overdoses in the coming months.
“We closely monitor suspected opioid overdose reports in every county across the state and coordinate with prevention partners to support local response efforts,” said Emma Kennedy, director of DHEC’s Division of Injury and Substance Abuse Prevention. “This collaborative effort enables state-level staff to engage county-level counterparts in high-burden areas to encourage targeted response efforts.”
Since March, South Carolina has seen a steady increase in suspected opioid overdoses and first responder Narcan® administrations over last year. In May alone, EMS personnel responded to an estimated 915 suspected opioid overdoses in South Carolina, the highest monthly number in the state’s history, and nearly twice that reported for May 2019. Year-to-date preliminary data suggests an upward trend in overdoses from both prescribed and illicitly manufactured substances and overdoses involving other drugs like benzodiazepines but is not conclusive.
“Even in these times when we’ve had to hit ‘pause’ on so many parts of everyday life, treatment is still available throughout the state,” said Lee Dutton, Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS). “Our local service providers are delivering effective and safe care for patients via telephone and telehealth in areas where on-site services are reduced or eliminated during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Dutton emphasized that treatment services are available in South Carolina through DAODAS’ system of state-licensed and nationally accredited service providers. For information on how to access treatment in our state, call 803-896-5555, or if you are experiencing substance use issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call the 24/7 support line at 1-844-SC-HOPES.
DHEC, DAODAS, and other organizations have additional resources available to learn more about opioid misuse and overdose prevention:
For resources on overdose prevention, finding a recovery provider, pain management, and overdose data, visit www.justplainkillers.com
Naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote, is available without a prescription. For patients with insurance or payment concerns, many community distributors offer free doses of Narcan®. For more information visit naloxonesavessc.org
During the upcoming National Prescription Take Back Day on Oct 24, additional locations will be available for the safe, convenient, and responsible disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs. A complete list of locations will be available and posted in the coming weeks at takebackday.dea.gov
Additional information about DHEC opioid prevention programs for families and community organizations is available at www.scdhec.gov/opioid-epidemic
“There are many resources available to help prevent, respond, and treat opioid use disorder,” Kennedy said. “We encourage people to use these resources to learn about the risks of opioids, about opioid antidotes and where to get them and learn how to help people struggling with opioid use disorder find the right care and treatment. Everyone has a role to play.”
DHEC’s efforts to address opioid overdoses in South Carolina also include:
DHEC’s Division of EMS created the Law Enforcement Officer Naloxone (LEON) and Reduction of Opioid Loss of Life (ROLL) programs to train law enforcement and fire department agencies across South Carolina to identify, treat and report drug overdoses attributed to opioids. These response initiatives have made a significant impact across the state. As of July 31, officers and firefighters reported 574 Narcan administrations for suspected overdoses through these programs.
The Community Opioid Paramedic Education or COPE program is a post-overdose outreach program in which Narcan-rescued individuals are assessed for wellness, given harm reduction information, offered an HIV and Hepatitis C test, and are provided access to treatment.
Participating in the state’s Opioid Emergency Response Team (OERT) and leads leading prevention and response activities for the team. Since April 2020, a Rapid Response Team has monitored data from the Bureau of EMS and Trauma on suspected opioid overdoses at the state level. This group issues bulletins on behalf of the OERT to key stakeholder groups for situational awareness. The collaborative effort enables state-level staff to engage county-level counterparts in high-burden areas to encourage targeted response efforts.
DHEC partners with healthcare systems to provide opioid-related education for doctors and health care providers, including training of more than 700 providers to date.
Pink Cactus, located at 100 Spring Street, Charleston, SC is giving back from October 1-31 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Pink Cactus will be donating 100% of all proceeds from the Oaxacan Fizz cocktail made with mezcal, Pure Fluff cotton candy, beets, and hibiscus to Pure Fluff Owner Arielle Statton from October 1-31.
Arielle is currently going through stage 3 Breast Cancer and all proceeds will go towards her chemo treatments and personal healthcare.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston Commercial, a key player in the downtown Charleston real estate market, has listed several well-established downtown properties for sale or lease.
The company has created a portfolio of properties, including 153 East Bay St., 155 East Bay St. and 2 Unity Alley. This portfolio of distinct, yet interconnected, buildings are available as an $8 million package or can be purchased individually. Located in the French Quarter district, these properties are high-end and can be used as restaurants or repositioned into a retail, office or residential spaces.
McCrady’s Tavern at 2 Unity Alley has long been known as one of Charleston’s favorite fine dining establishments with a history dating back to the 1700s. The property — almost 9,000 square feet — spans three floors with a full-service restaurant on the ground level and a second-floor open-air venue. The third floor houses administrative offices and wine storage.
The property at 153 East Bay St. is more than 5,600 square feet. This three-story mixed-use building is anchored by Pearlz Oyster Bar on the first floor. The second floor has a separate entrance and commercial elevator, which was most recently used by restaurant and bar Minero. This vaulted space with exposed brick and natural light is also suitable for office use.
The third property in this portfolio is 155 East Bay St. With more than 3,000 square feet, it’s a three-story mixed-use building. The first floor was formerly occupied by McCrady’s Counter, an experiential restaurant catering to small groups. The second floor was most recently used as a commercial kitchen, but can be used for office space and has a separate entrance. The third floor could be used as an office or residential space.
“We are thrilled to offer these three incredible properties as one listing,” said Joshua Schaap, managing director for Charleston Commercial. “Even though these spaces are distinct, they flow together so well that it made sense to put them together under one umbrella listing. Someone is going to grab three terrific properties in the heart of Charleston’s busy tourist area.”
Charleston Commercial also has listed for lease the corner retail space at 328 King St. This unique space features wrap-around storefront windows, high ceilings and two mezzanines. It most recently was home to Jos. A. Bank. This property is strategically located at the corner of King and George streets and across from the Roost Boutique Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel currently under construction
Also available for lease is another high-end property at 438 King St. The first -floor retail space has floor-to-ceiling storefront windows, high ceilings and a mezzanine. This space opens into a courtyard for additional retail or event space.
The second- and third-floor office space at 438 King St. features hardwood floors, high ceilings, wrap-around porches and windows with views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. This historically restored property is one block from Marion Square and Hotel Bennett. A parking lot is available on-site.
Charleston Commercial has brokered several high-profile and complex commercial real estate deals across the Lowcountry. Over the summer, Charleston Commercial brokered the sale of iconic Shem Creek eatery R.B.’s Seafood Restaurant for $7 million.
Over the last three years, Charleston Commercial has brokered or participated in 19 property acquisitions in downtown Charleston, totaling more than $74 million. The company was part of one of the largest deals of the last decade, consisting of eight properties from six property owners in a landmark deal bordered by King, Society and George streets.
“Our experience with iconic properties and historic buildings has allowed us to positively shape the face of Charleston,” said C. Kendrick. “Our work on complex zoning issues, utilities and historic properties gives us an edge when it comes to facilitating commercial real estate sales, acquisitions and developments in the Lowcountry’s most historic areas.”
About Charleston Commercial Charleston Commercial is a fully integrated commercial real estate group located in Charleston, S.C., specializing in commercial brokerage and asset management for a wide range of property types, including retail, medical office, office, multi-family, hospitality, urban infill, and industrial properties. The firm offers a broad range of incorporated services to see assignments through from start to finish. Services range from market prospecting, acquisition, value creation (including entitlements, zoning, approvals, and development oversight), leasing, asset management, and disposition. Reach Charleston Commercial at 843-670-5727.
THE VENDUE UNVEILS NEW HALLOWEEN THEMED OCTOBER PACKAGE
The new Nevermore Package will immerse guests in the works of Edgar Allan Poe – During the entire month of October, The Vendue is offering a nightly one-of-a-kind experience surrounding one of Charleston’s most mysterious dwellers, Edgar Allan Poe, with their Nevermore Package.
This exclusive package is only available in one guest room of the hotel. The room has been outfitted with period décor and curiosities from several of Poe’s short stories and poems.
Details of the Package
Spend a night like one of Charleston’s most mysterious dwellers, Edgar Allan Poe. The Nevermore package includes an imaginative escape for two themed around the dark works of Poe. Package Highlights:
Don’t be afraid of this eerie experience. Remember, “all that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
Edgar Allan Poe’s connection to the Charleston area dates back to 1827 when he was stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Little is known about Poe’s thirteen-month stint at Fort Moultrie, but his time on Sullivan’s Island inspired the setting of one of his most well-known short stories “The Gold Bug.”
“With so much turmoil transpiring throughout everyone’s lives over the past seven months, we wanted to inject a little fun and wonderment for our guests and staff to experience,” said Kris Altman, the hotel’s marketing representative. “What better way than to embrace some of Charleston’s mysterious history during the spooky month of October and create a package full of sensory surprises to bring some excitement back in our lives –even if it’s just for a night.
”The Nevermore Package includes an imaginative escape for two themed around the dark works of Poe. Package highlights include complimentary valet parking, in-room cognac & special welcome amenity, $100 dining credit to the hotel’s restaurant, Revival, and a memorable turndown offering.
Of course, there will be plenty of surprises along the way. Though, there is no need to be afraid of this eerie experience. Remember, as Poe so eloquently stated, “all that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
The Venue is located at 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC. For more details about the Nevermore Package, visit thevendue.com/nevermore
he Homeless Period Project is a 501(c)(3) organization – HPP donates to over 100 facilities in South Carolina monthly –
Homeless Period Projects provides feminine menstrual hygiene products to homeless women, shelters, resettled refugees, schools, free medical clinics, food banks, Red Cross, and other organizations
Homeless Period Project also has chapters in North Carolina, Georgia, and Connecticut
Henry & Eva (628 Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC) is closing its doors. There is still a chance to get some great merchandise and fixtures
Details
STORE CLOSING
We have refilled the store with back stock,
Holiday decorations, home, and retail racks and accessories. If you are currently on a list for an item we will call, but the request has been so overwhelming that we unfortunately from this point on are doing first come first serve.
If you are looking for a retail fixture in particular and can’t leave your store call 843-388-4253 to inquire.
Still have a great selection of Woody Handmade and Microtechs and others, call for an inquiry.
We will ship!!!
Hours: Wednesday – Friday 11:00 AM -5:00 PM and Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Charleston, S.C. – Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), a technology platform provider enabling rapid innovation for employers, health plans, and consumers, today announced Ms. Robin Kirby joined the company as its Chief Human Resources Officer. Kirby formerly served as Senior Vice President of HR for USAA and is a current member of the Forbes HR Council.
Kirby will be responsible for Benefitfocus’ future-of-work strategies and expanding its talent acquisition and development capabilities in all areas.
“I’m excited to have an executive of Robin’s caliber join our leadership team,” said Steve Swad, Benefitfocus President & CEO. “She has directly led every aspect of the HR profession – from compensation and benefits, talent acquisition and development, to strategic workforce planning, culture, and diversity and inclusion. Robin has a strong learner orientation and I believe she will be instrumental in building a culture that keeps it simple and gets it done.”
Kirby has more than 20 years of HR experience and has held HR leadership roles in companies such as Infosys, Symantec, and General Electric. Her industry experience crosses technology, financial services, and health care. Kirby holds a master’s degree in Human Resources from the University of South Carolina and received her bachelor’s degree from Coastal Carolina University.
“Benefitfocus is undergoing a rapid expansion of its technology platform and serving its customers in new and innovative ways,” said Kirby. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join them at such an exciting time where customer centricity and employee talent expansion are priorities for the company.”
Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT) unifies the entire U.S. benefits industry on a single technology platform to protect consumers for life. Our powerful cloud-based software, data-driven insights, and thoughtfully-designed services enable employers, insurance brokers, health plans , and suppliers to simplify the complexity of benefits administration and deliver health, wealth, property, and lifestyle products through a world-class benefits experience. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com,LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results or performance might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: our ability to maintain our culture, retain and motivate qualified personnel; volatility and uncertainty in the global economy and financial markets in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic; our continuing losses and need to achieve GAAP profitability; fluctuations in our financial results; the immature and volatile market for our products and services; risks related to changing healthcare and other applicable regulations; risks associated with acquisitions; cyber-security risks; the need to innovate and provide useful products and services; our ability to compete effectively; privacy; security and other risks associated with our business; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings, copies of which are available free of charge within the Investor Relations section of the Benefitfocus website at http://investor.benefitfocus.com/sec-filings or upon request from our investor relations department. Benefitfocus assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is sharing updated data that shows communities with mask requirement ordinances in place continue to see a slower rate of disease spread compared to communities without mask requirements.
On August 12, DHEC released the initial findings of its data analysis of the counties and municipalities that have implemented mask requirements for individuals when in public as a protection measure against COVID-19. DHEC issued a second mask analysis update on August 25. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division provides a map showing the counties and municipalities that currently have mask requirements in place, which is available on the home page of scemd.org.
“This updated data analysis continues to show that jurisdictions with a mask ordinance remain effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 when compared to those jurisdictions without an ordinance in place,” said Dr. Michael Kacka, DHEC Physician and Chief Medical Officer. “The data reinforces what we’ve already known: the proper wearing of masks helps stop the spread of this deadly virus.”
Today’s updated data indicates:
Nearly 42 percent of residents, or approximately 2,100,000 South Carolinians, reside in jurisdictions that have local mask requirements in place.
For this most recent analysis, jurisdictions with a mask ordinance were categorized into week of initiation, meaning the week the ordinance took effect, with five weeks of mask ordinance initiations considered:
First week: June 23-June 29
Second week: June 30-July 6
Third week: July 7-July 13
Fourth week: July 14-July 20
Fifth week: July 21-July 27
When comparing the jurisdictions that have mask requirements in place to those jurisdictions that don’t, the jurisdictions with mask requirements have experienced a greater percent decrease in cases one month after their ordinance initiation, as follows:
South
Carolina school among two honored in U.S. honored for early success
with NIET initiatives that focus on high-quality instruction
Dr. Candice McQueen, CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), surprised Mellichamp Elementary in the Orangeburg County School District today with a $5,000 NIET School of Promise Award. The award honors Mellichamp’s early success implementing NIET’s initiatives to improve teaching and learning. The award was announced during a virtual celebration with the school and district leaders.
Over the past two years, Mellichamp has shifted its school culture to re-focus on making data-driven decisions and leveraging high-quality instructional practices. Educators regularly collaborate and have a chance to grow as instructors, and the school culture models continuous growth. Since working with NIET in the 2018-19 school year, Mellichamp has improved in Academic Achievement, Preparing for Success, and Student Engagement, as determined by the South Carolina Department of Education. From 2018 to 2019, the school also increased its percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on state assessments in English language arts, math, and science – and jumped 27.4 percentage points in social studies. Additionally, between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school year, Mellichamp retained all of its teachers – another mark of the positive culture established at the school.
Mellichamp Elementary is one of just two schools that NIET is honoring as a School of Promise this year. The second school is Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee, which was honored last week.
“Mellichamp’s community is inspiring and shows us what is possible when educators collaborate and deepen their focus on high-quality instruction,” Dr. McQueen said. “Mellichamp’s leaders and educators have built their capacity around engaging teaching practices, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside them to take their work to the next level.”
NIET has a 20-year history of working alongside more than 8,500 schools, districts, states, and universities to ensure that all students have effective educators. NIET’s partner schools have shown success by both outperforming similar schools and having greater teacher retention.
“Mellichamp provides a model of excellence not only within the Orangeburg and surrounding communities but also throughout the nation,” Orangeburg’s superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster commented. “High expectations, inspirational leadership, and a collaborative spirit are the cornerstones of school transformations and are certainly evident in that school.”
Recipients of the $5,000 NIET School of Promise Award are selected by NIET for their efforts to make instructional excellence the cornerstone of school improvement; plan for regular professional learning focused on daily needs of teachers and students; create a culture of collaboration and reflection; and create systems that maximize the talents of teacher leaders and administrators to drive student growth. Leaders are able to spend the money as they choose to support their educators.
What Sets Mellichamp Elementary Apart Mellichamp is among 32 schools in the Orangeburg County School District and has the highest poverty rate at 91.5%. Years of consecutive “At-Risk” ratings by the South Carolina Department of Education motivated Mellichamp to implement a culture shift. Administrators, lead teachers, and support staff began to recalibrate instructional priorities to focus on teacher and student needs. They earned their first Palmetto Silver Award from the state for general performance for the 2012-13 school year, but it wasn’t until they “stopped buying programs and started building people” – as former Principal Hayward Jean put it – that they paved the way for continuous improvement through a partnership with NIET. Jean now serves as director of student services for the district, and new Mellichamp Principal Dr. Elrica C. Glover, former assistant principal, is continuing Mellichamp’s commitment to educator effectiveness.
The daily motivation of Mellichamp’s educators to “put the ‘champ’ in Mellichamp” is reflected in the positive state survey results from 2019, which show a 95% satisfaction rate among teachers toward Mellichamp’s learning environment, and 92% among students. Overall, Mellichamp earned an “Excellent” rating for Student Engagement, indicating “school performance substantially exceeds the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the SC Graduate.” These qualities include world-class knowledge, skills, and life and career characteristics of integrity, self-direction, global perspective, perseverance, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.
Mellichamp has continued its dedication to the future of Orangeburg’s youth by developing partnerships with nearby Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Claflin University and South Carolina State University. This work aligns teacher preparation to the specific needs of the community and helps to strengthen the pipeline of talent to train generations of scholars.
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