This is a monthly newsletter designed to serve as a run-through of employee recognitions, the latest happenings, and important announcements within the Healthcare Quality deputy area of DHEC.

Happy Monday! Today's newsletter is ~1,600 words, an 8 minute read.

Gwen's Greeting

"Rough seas make stronger sailors. Tough times build greater people." -Robin Sharma 

After much thought, I decided to make this greeting very simple and genuinely sincere. As a deputy area, we have faced many trials and often come up against numerous obstacles. Yet we remain resilient. Those of you who have remain faithful and dedicated to the cause, I say thank you. Many have taken on additional responsibilities not listed on your position description. Some have put in extra work hours while others have been encouragers and provided kind words and a smile. I need each of you to know that I see all that you are doing, and I know your value to the agency. I simply want to say I am grateful.

For our newer employees, this deputy area is a fantastic place to work. We’ve been presented with some challenges. My husband once preached a sermon titled “Stay in the boat.” The point of the sermon was to emphasize that everything you need to make it through the storm is on the ship. Sure, the waves are still strong, but the storm has passed. With the right people, we’ll be able to weather anything. It’s great to sail with Cruise HQ. As we build the crew, it’ll be smooth sailing soon. I can’t express how glad I am to have you here. 

"Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still, and rough or rigid. But in the end, it is always beautiful." -Unknown 

News and Announcements

DHEC 50th Anniversary Updates & Announcements

HQ staff received their employee appreciation kits this month! If you haven't received yours, contact Kimberly Carnell.

Dress for the Decades

As a part of DHEC's 50-year anniversary celebration, staff is encouraged to Dress for the Decades throughout September! People with the best costumes will receive a prize and bragging rights. Meet at the tables at 1 p.m. each Friday for a photo and to be entered into the DHEC-wide competition!

We encourage you to get creative with your outfits! Please ensure that your style adheres to our employee appearance policy.

Highlighting the Unique Service of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities

August is National Ambulatory Surgery Center Month, an observance intended to raise awareness of ambulatory surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery facilities (ASFs).

Read the recent story following the inspection of an ASF and the important role they play in the community.

Supporting the Aging Population through Collaboration

National Senior Citizen Day is an opportunity to show respect and appreciation for the elderly and aging population.  

Healthcare Quality (HQ) proactively supports this population in South Carolina through the routine inspections and compliant investigations of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as building relationships with facility administration. 

Read about a recent Rock Hill inspection and the collaboration that followed.

Upcoming Events

Staff Training & Professional Development Opportunities

DHEC Staff Training & Development recently released the updated training calendar. You can access the Staff Training & Development SharePoint Site and review the updated calendar to learn about the available professional development opportunities.

Register for the DHEC Walk 'N' Roll Step Challenge

Sponsored by the agency’s Wellness Committee, the wellness initiative will run from September 1^st  through September 30^th. 

You are also encouraged to register for the free Strava platform to help us see the agency move in real-time. First, create a Strava account at no cost. At that point, you can request access to join the exclusive SC DHEC Strava Group here.

Next Steps:

After you have registered and the Walk ‘N’ Step Challenge has kicked off, you’ll receive weekly well-being emails and texts to help educate, support, and motivate you on your journey.

At the end of the challenge, Hall of Fame Awards will be given to: 

• Top three individuals 
• Top three teams 
• Most improved (number of increased steps from Day 1) 
• Region with the most steps overall. 

Awards will be determined by a combination of number of steps and point system. The point system includes: 

• 3,000 steps per day = 1 point 
• 5,000 steps per day= 2 points 
• 10,000 steps per day = 3 points 
• Bonus = 5 points to join DHEC Strava Group 

HQ Employee Spotlight

Mitch Stewart Selected at EMS Section Manager

Effective August 2, 2023, Mitch Stewart, BS, NRP, FP-C, NCI, CHEP, has been promoted from Interim EMS Section Manager to EMS Section Manager. Mitch has been with DHEC for six years.

Prior to serving in the interim role, Mitch was an inspector III in the EMS Section of the Division of EMS and Trauma.

Congratulations, Mitch!

HQ Staff on the Move for Professional Development

Healthcare Quality staff recently traveled to attend various conferences tailored to their expertise. Here's a recap of where they went and what they learned.

Rayshaun Williams, Information Coordinator, Division of Healthcare Systems & Services, attended the ImageTrend Connect Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, July 18-21.

The conference, which included over 600 participants, provided Rayshaun the opportunity to connect with and learn from professionals committed to improving their data management, sharing best practices and gaining insight on using ImageTrend effectively.

Lydia Royals, Internal Communications Specialist, Office of Policy and Communications, attended the National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing & Media in Atlanta, GA, July 18-21.

At the conference, more than 800 communications and public health leaders and professionals gathered to learn about key issues like health equity, media relations and plain language for communicators.

Do you have a story that you want to feature in the monthly newsletter? We want to hear about it! Email your stories to hqcomms@dhec.sc.gov.

New Employees

Name: Taylor Cornelius

Job Title: Project Manager



Office or Bureau: Office of Training & Compliance

Previous Job: "I previously worked for the Department of Health and Human Services in SC Commission for the Blind as a Prevention of Blindness Coordinator. My job duties included coordinating sight-saving and sight-preserving services to eligible South Carolinians. The program focused on sponsoring consumers who could not afford basic procedures that would maintain their eye health and function due to lack of insurance and/or limited financial resources. 

What are you looking forward to as a member of HQ? "I am looking forward to the daily challenge that comes along with learning something new as well as growing as a Public Health professional."

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Why? "Teleportation. I love the idea of getting where I need to go quickly without having to drive or sit in traffic."

What is your favorite sport to watch and which team(s) do you root for? "South Carolina Gamecocks - Collegiate Athletics Tennis, Pittsburgh Steelers - Professional Football, Boston Celtics - Professional Basketball."

What kind of pet(s) do you have and what's their name? "Siberian Husky named Cooper."

Have you ever met anyone famous? Who? "Dawn Staley through being an avid Gamecock WBB fan."

Name: JeMeeka Washington

Job Title: Administrator Coordinator



Office or Bureau: Bureau of Community Care

Previous Job: "I previously worked at the Department of Motor Vehicles."

What are you looking forward to as a member of HQ? "I am looking forward to learning new skills and growing with the company."

What's your favorite quote? “If you can't personally fix it, don't stress it."

What's your favorite TV show? Why? "My Wife & Kids - it reminds me of my family."

What is your favorite sport to watch and which team(s) do you root for? "Football and I root for the Dallas Cowboys."

What is your favorite hobby? "Creating content for Youtube."

Name: Brandi Price

Job Title: Program Coordinator I



Office or Bureau: Bureau of Healthcare Systems & Services

Previous Job: "I previously worked for DHEC Greenwood, Disease Intervention."

What are you looking forward to as a member of HQ? "I look forward to learning more about the department."

What is your favorite quote? "Don't waste a minute not being happy."

What is your favorite holiday? "Thanksgiving because I love being able to see all of my family."

Name: Crystal McKnight

Job Title: Nurse Administrator Manager I



Office or Bureau: Bureau of Community Care

Previous Job: "I worked with COVID patients administering COVID vaccines and tests for the past three years. Before that, I served as a drug and alcohol rehab nurse through the Department of Mental Health."

What are you looking forward to as a member of HQ? "I am looking forward to the new experiences that this position offers by helping to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. As a member of the HQ team, I am able to protect and promote the health of those receiving care."

What's your favorite TV show? "Martin... the best comedic show of all time!"

Tell us a fact that most people don't know about you! "A fact that most people don't know about me is that I love to sing.

What kind of pet(s) do you have and how did you choose its name? "I have a 4 year old Yorkie named Dallas, named after the Dallas Cowboys. I also have a 2 1/2 year old Cocker Spanial mix named Payton who was named by my son."

Have you ever met anyone famous? Who? Where? "I met Chris Rock at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia."

Name: La-Tasha Keitt

Job Title: Administrative Assistant



Office or Bureau: Office of Policy & Communications

Previous Job: "I previously worked for the Department of Health and Human Services in Orangeburg as an Administrative Specialist II." 

What are you looking forward to as a member of HQ? "I am looking forward to growing and learning with this new experience."

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be any why? "Super strength so I can handle ANYTHING that is thrown at me!"

What's your favorite TV show and why? "Cartoons because they are a reminder that anything is possible and to not be so serious."

List some items on your bucket list. "I want to travel to Paris or just travel abroad."

What is your favorite hobby? "Crafting."

Employee Shout-Outs

"I would like to send a shoutout to Shawnna Scott-Sadler for successfully completing her Surveyor Minimum Qualification Test (SMQT). Shawnna’s positive attitude and perseverance are great assets to our team! The completion of this qualification demonstrates DHEC's core value of pursuing excellence and strategic pathway of improvement. Great job!"



-Amber Capers, Division Director, Nursing Home Oversight

"I want to personally and professionally thank Shana White-Seay for her visit and the professionalism she displayed. She was exceptionally kind, and thoughtful, and displayed outstanding communication skills with and toward our residents and staff. During the Exit Conference, she was patient, understanding and very constructive in her approach."



-Jim Thomason, administrator at a long-term care facility

Submit a Shout-Out

Do you have a direct employee, coworker, manager, or team within Healthcare Quality that you would like to acknowledge for terrific work, a recent accomplishment, or simply for being a joy to work with? 

Upcoming Observances

September

Healthy Aging Month

National Preparedness Month

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Labor Day (September 4)

World Alzheimer's Day (September 21)

Fall Prevention Awareness Day (September 22)

October

American Pharmacists Month

Residents' Rights Month

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

National Midwifery Week (10/2 - 10/8)

National Fire Prevention Week (10/8 - 10/14)

National Pharmacy Week (10/22 - 10/28)

National Healthcare Facilities & Engineering Week (10/22 - 10/28)

November

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

National Family Care Givers Awareness Month

National Home Care, Hospice and Patient Palliative Care Month

Light the World Teal Alzheimer's Day (11/8)

Veteran's Day (11/10)

Thanksgiving Day (11/23)

Day after Thanksgiving Day (11/24)



Monthly Trivia Question

Find the hidden message and email your answer to hqcomms@dhec.sc.gov. The first person with the correct answer will receive a prize. You can only win one puzzle every six months. The winner's name will be published in the August newsletter.

No one submitted an answer for the August word search! Try again this month and receive a prize.

*HINT* Find the answer in the strategic plan! You can enlarge the image by clicking on it.

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