The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) is expanding its Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) program to its 10 regions of the state, following funding approval by the state legislature. This expansion addresses the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) across South Carolina. Cherniece Kelley, a Bishopville native and graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Public Health, began on July 17, 2025, as the DCS for the Santee-Lynches region. This includes Lee, Kershaw, Clarendon, and Sumter counties. Her office is located at the Kershaw County Library, 1304 Broad St., Camden. “The purpose of a Dementia Care Specialist is to educate and be a support to the public on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and connect them to services in their region and across the state,” Kelley said. “We also support organizations working to assist those affected, ensuring more resources are available locally.”
To learn more or request a presentation, residents can contact Cherniece Kelley at 803-949-1238 or ckelley@aging.sc.gov. For more information about dementia and resources in our state, check out the South Carolina Dementia Toolkit. For additional services, visit www.getcaresc.com or call 1-800-868-9095.