Public Health and Emergency Response Monthly Newsletter

Able South Carolina’s Disability Health Equity Coordinator, Ebony Deloach, at the Northeast Columbia Empowerment Coalition’s third annual health fair. Ebony is a young, Black woman who uses a power-wheelchair for mobility.

Partnering for Vaccine Equity Community Highlight

In early November, Able South Carolina’s Disability Health Equity Coordinator, Ebony Deloach, and AmeriCorps member, Meghan Bayer joined the Northeast Columbia Empowerment Coalition’s third annual health fair! Alongside partners like AARP, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, United Healthcare, and Luxe Homecare, Able SC participated in this educational opportunity dedicated to building a strong, caring community for seniors & people with disabilities.

Each partner, including Able SC, shared an introduction about their services, helping attendees connect with essential resources. At the event, Able SC focused on raising awareness about vaccines & tackling misinformation. They distributed hundreds of COVID test kits to attendees, helping ensure the community has easy access to tools for staying healthy and informed. The day was filled with activities focused on self-care and well-being, lively music, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities for everyone to connect and enjoy each other’s company. Able South Carolina was thrilled to be part of this empowering community event!

For the latest information on COVID-19 and influenza, visit Able SC’s Partnering for Vaccine Equity website. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you from these illnesses—stay informed and stay healthy!

White text over gray background reads, 'Preventing Home Heating Fires,' Stay Warm Safely.' Image over green background shows a firefighter holding a fire extinguisher.

Preventing House Fires & Winter Resources

Staying warm in the winter is important, but this needs to be done safely. Heating fires were the second leading cause of home fires in 2021. Below are tips to help you prevent a fire in your home:

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, stoves, radiators, heaters, and candles.
Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet.
Make sure electric cords are not damaged or frayed.
Do not use an oven to heat your home.
Have a smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms every month and regularly change their batteries.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use smoke alarms with a vibrating pad, flashing light, or strobe light. These accessories start when your alarm sounds.
Have heating equipment, like a furnace or chimney, inspected by a professional before cold weather season each year.

Additional Fire Safety Resources:

Home Fire Safety (FEMA)

Fire Safety for People with Disabilities (FEMA/U.S. Fire Administration)

#WinterReady Resources

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter months. Common symptoms include:

Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Increased sleepiness and fatigue
Vitamin D deficiency
Social withdrawal and irritability

The primary cause of SAD is believed to be related to changes in light. During the shorter days of fall and winter, less sunlight can throw off your body’s internal clock. This can lead to higher levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, which can affect your mood and energy.

Treatment Options Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for SAD:

Light Therapy: Exposure to a bright light box (10,000 lux) for about 30 minutes each morning.
Counseling: Talking to a therapist can provide support and coping strategies.
Medications: Antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can also help manage symptoms.

When to Seek Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of SAD that affect daily life, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider.

SAD is a serious condition that can impact anyone, but knowing the symptoms and treatment options can help you find relief. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are effective ways to tackle those seasonal blues!

Resources:

Winter is coming. Here's how to spot — and treat — signs of seasonal depression (NPR)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (Johns Hopkins)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (NIMH)

Molly Dickerson, Able SC Public Health intern. Molly is a young, white woman with long brown hair. In this photo she is smiling, wearing a blue blazer and white shirt.

Living with Dynamic Disabilities: Molly Dickerson, Able SC Intern

Hi! My name is Molly Dickerson. I am a public health intern at Able SC, and I live with a "dynamic disability." You might be wondering, "What exactly is a dynamic disability?" Let me explain! Disability is often thought of as something that stays the same, but as disabled people, we know that’s not true. Many disabilities change over time—symptoms can worsen or improve. Dynamic disabilities are those that vary from day to day. Some days may be harder, while other days are more manageable. These disabilities can come and go, sometimes flaring up like an illness, then easing off. Because of this, they may not always be visible to others, but the challenges are still very real. I live with rheumatoid arthritis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which I experience as dynamic disabilities. Some days, I deal with a lot of painful symptoms, while on other days, the symptoms are less intense. There are times when I need to use accessibility devices to help me live, work, and enjoy life, and other times when I don’t.

Often, my symptoms are invisible to others, and I can be in pain even when no one knows. Living with a dynamic disability means I have to plan carefully and follow a routine of medications, treatments, and therapies to avoid flare-ups. Some days, it takes a lot of effort just to feel okay.

How someone views their condition, or whether they consider it a dynamic disability, is personal and depends on their experiences. For example, someone with more advanced rheumatoid arthritis might experience it more consistently, without the ups and downs that I experience. It's a good idea to ask friends with chronic illnesses how they experience their condition. Remember: Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there!

For more resources on dynamic disabilities, check out:

Public Health Initiatives

Able SC provides advocacy and education to ensure that disability is represented in all areas of public health. We have established state and national partnerships with public health entities to ensure the needs of the disability community are included in all programs and services. We also offer direct programs to ensure people with disabilities have access to the information and resources they need to lead healthy, active, and independent lives.

Public Health Initiatives

Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery Services

We organize the SC Disability Partners in Disaster Planning Coalition to ensure people with disabilities are being included and receiving equitable services throughout the state in all aspects of emergency planning. We also provide individual services to assist people with disabilities to prepare for emergency disasters, get the resources they need before, during and after emergency disasters

Emergency Prep and Response Services