ABLE SC, September Newsletter

 

Healthy Living September Newsletter Trigger Warning: This month's newsletter covers topics related to suicide, violence and abuse, and sexually transmitted illnesses. The focus is on prevention and health, and how Able SC can help people with disabilities seek help and assistance.

September is Suicide Prevention Month  September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time to remember those we’ve lost to suicide, recognize those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, and support the people and communities affected by suicide. It’s also a chance to spread awareness about preventing suicide and share messages of hope.  Suicide is the intentional act of ending your own life. People with disabilities are thought to be at a higher risk for suicide compared to those without disabilities. People with cognitive, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, those who do not live independently, and people living with multiple disabilities are at the greatest risk for having suicidal thoughts, making plans for suicide, and attempting suicide.  How You Can Help  Learn and share information about suicide prevention. Know the warning signs and risk factors, find out how to support someone who might be considering suicide, and get familiar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  Each of us has a role to play in preventing suicide—this September and every day. By checking in on friends and loved ones, sharing resources, and starting honest conversations, we help create a community where no one feels alone. Together, we can learn, listen, and look out for one another—because protecting mental health means protecting ourselves and the people we care about.  Sources:   Merriam-Webster, definition of suicide  SAMHSA, Suicide Prevention Month  University of Florida, Study explores suicide risk for people with disabilities  Violence Prevention and Survivor Services  People with disabilities are more likely to be mistreated and abused because we are often vulnerable due to the nature of our disabilities. To address this issue, Able South Carolina has created a Violence Prevention Program. While we don’t provide direct crisis services, such as a shelter to stay at or social workers or medical staff to assist you, we do help address violence against people with disabilities in three main ways:   We help people with disabilities who have been hurt or abused to find resources, understand their legal rights, and get the support they need to heal.    We are not mandated reporters, so we will not file a report to Adult Protective Services unless you ask us to. We follow your lead when it comes to how you address the situation you’re in and provide person-centered care that is specifically tailored to your needs and goals.    We create easy-to-understand educational resources about relationship safety for everyone!    Our customized webinars, classes, and written materials are designed to be easy for people with all kinds of disabilities to access and understand. We teach about healthy relationships, how to notice signs of abuse, and how to get help if abuse happens to you.   We provide training and education for professionals who serve survivors with disabilities.   1 in 3 South Carolinians has a disability– in other words, we are everywhere! Able SC can help you or your organization gain the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence you need to make your services accessible, welcoming, and affirming for people with disabilities. We also provide brochures with tips and resources on accessibility.    If you would like to contact us regarding the Violence Prevention Program, please contact us at 803-779-5121 or email us at referral@able-sc.org. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.  The Rise of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in South Carolina and Georgia  Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasing across the U.S., especially in Georgia and South Carolina.  What is an STD?  An STD (short for sexually transmitted disease) is an infection that spreads from one person to another during sexual contact.  Some common STDs are:  Chlamydia  Gonorrhea  Syphilis  Herpes  STDs can affect anyone, and sometimes people don’t know if they have one because they might not feel sick or show symptoms. That’s why regular testing and honest conversations about sexual health are important.  Most STDs can be treated, and some can be cured. The earlier you find out, the easier it is to take care of your health and protect others. These rising numbers are a big concern for public health — and they’re especially dangerous for people with disabilities.  What Can You Do?  Get Educated!  Learn about safer sex, consent, and communication. Able SC offers trainings each month.  Ask for plain language or visual guides if you need them.  Look for sex ed materials in formats that work for you — check out the resources below for materials in different formats!  Get Care  Find providers who respect your needs.   Ask for accommodations — like extra time, interpreters, or accessible exam rooms.  Get tested regularly and talk to your provider about options for protection like condoms & dental dams.  Speak Up!  You deserve care that’s respectful and informed.  If something doesn’t feel right, you can ask questions or switch providers.  What if I think I have an STD?  Get Tested  Don’t wait – the sooner you get tested by a healthcare provider, you can get treated and protect your health.  You can find a private, free, or low-cost testing site near you at GetTested.CDC.gov  If you need accommodations (like wheelchair access, plain language, or an interpreter), call ahead and ask what’s available.  Know Your Rights  Your test results are private. Healthcare providers must keep your information confidential. They can’t share it without your permission — not with your family, employer, or anyone else.  Some STDs must be reported to public health departments, but your name and information are protected by law.  Get Treated  Many STDs are easily treated with medicine. Don’t wait – treatment helps you feel better and protects your partners too.  Ask your healthcare provider how to talk to your partners or help tell them about your STD treatment.  Sources:  Georgia, South Carolina rank among states seeing rising STD rates  U.S. States & Counties With the Highest STD Rates  Bridging the Gap: STD Education for People with Disabilities  Resources:  Home - National Coalition for Sexual Health  ASAN: A Self-Advocate's Guide to Safer Sex  Comprehensive Sex Education for Youth with Disabilities: A Call to Action  Get Tested | CDC NPIN  Scarleteen: Queer Sex Ed for All , Disability Page

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 Violence Prevention Able SC has programs and services that address violence against South Carolinians with disabilities in three main ways. First, we help people with disabilities who have been hurt or abused to find resources, understand their legal rights, and get the support they need to heal. Second, we create easy-to-understand educational resources about relationship safety for everyone! Third, we provide training and education for professionals who serve survivors with disabilities. Violence Prevention Programs 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

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Able South Carolina 720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210 803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org Follow Us Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser