Public Health and Emergency Response Monthly Newsletter

Dark teal graphic with white text that reads, ‘Announcement New 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter,’ followed by additional text, ‘Who will you get vaccinated for?,’ a speech bubble over a photo of a Latina woman reads, ‘For my uncle, Mateo.’

CDC Recommends New 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter

The CDC recommends getting the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines to protect against serious illness this fall and winter.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the updated COVID-19 vaccines on August 22, 2024. The new shots will be available through your pharmacy and doctor’s office within a week.

It is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time. Vaccination is crucial to prevent severe cases that might result in hospitalization or death.

COVID-19 Vaccine:

Everyone 6 months and older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, even if you have been vaccinated before. This new vaccine will protect against the latest COVID-19 variants that are making people sick. Make a plan to get your updated COVID-19 vaccine with your pharmacy or healthcare provider today.

Flu Vaccine:

The CDC also recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine. The best time to get vaccinated is in September or October, but some people may need to get it earlier:

Pregnant women in their third trimester can get the flu shot as early as July or August to protect their newborns.
Very young children who need two doses should get the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, with the second dose given four weeks later.

Vaccination is essential for preventing serious illness from COVID & Flu. For more information on the importance of vaccination to the disability community, visit Able SC’s newly re-vamped and updated SC Disability Vaccine Access Network page.

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Disaster Distress Helpline: 24/7 Support for Coping with Hurricane and Storm-Related Stress

In the wake of a disaster like a hurricane or tropical storm, it's normal to experience a wide range of emotions, including stress, anxiety, and grief. The Disaster Distress Helpline offers free and confidential support to help you. Available 24/7, this service connects you with trained counselors who offer emotional support and guide you to additional resources.

How to Access Help:

Call or Text: Reach out anytime by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.
Online Resources: Visit the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline page for information on managing distress and finding local support services.
Multilingual Support: The helpline offers support in over 100 languages.
Support for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Callers: Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing can use TTY by dialing 1-800-846-8517.

This service is available to anyone affected by a disaster, including survivors, first responders, and loved ones. Whether you need someone to talk to right now or are seeking ongoing support, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you. Remember, reaching out is the first step to feeling better.

For more details, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

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 planned act of ending your own life. People with disabilities are thought to be at a higher risk for suicide than people without disabilities. People with cognitive, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, people 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.
Get familiar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Throughout September and all year long, we can all contribute to suicide prevention. We can connect with our communities, learn more about suicide, and work together to tackle this serious public health problem that affects our community.

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Upcoming Opportunities

The SC Disability Public Health Taskforce is looking for members with disabilities!

Able SC started the SC Disability Public Health Taskforce in 2023 to improve how people with disabilities are included in health programs and to prevent problems like those experienced during COVID-19. We want to build strong partnerships between disability organizations and health groups to make public health better for everyone.

If you are a person living with a disability and are interested in joining the taskforce, contact Able SC Director of Public Health and Disability Integration, Mandy Halloran, at mhalloran@able-sc.org.

Able SC has an upcoming educational event just for you!

September 17th, 1-2 pm

This training will teach people with disabilities how to protect themselves from common infections like colds, flu, and COVID-19. We'll cover easy ways to stay clean, prevent getting sick, and what to do if you feel unwell. By the end of the training, you'll know how to protect yourself from infections, feel more confident in managing your health, and have tools and resources to stay healthy. The training will be offered online.

To register, visit: www.able-sc.com/events

Resources

Residents in the Midlands of South Carolina may qualify for these helpful community resources:

Beat the Heat - Plant a Tree

The City of Columbia and Columbia Green are giving away free shade trees to people who own property within the city limits. Planting trees can help prevent extreme heat and can reduce energy costs. The city will deliver your free tree during the fall planting season. To complete an application for your tree, visit the Columbia Green website.

Operation One Touch

Richland County's Operation One Touch program helps low- to moderate-income residents with home repairs. Eligible homes can receive up to $23,000 in repair funds. Only homes in unincorporated areas of Richland County qualify. To learn more about eligibility requirements and repairs, visit the Richland County Operation One Touch webpage.

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