If you or someone you know has urgent needs due to the COVID-19 crisis:

Dial 2-1-1 for the United Way of the Piedmont 24/7 Crisis Response Line for information and resources regarding where to find food, shelter, access to healthcare and transportation.

COVID-19 Statement from Dr. Dawn Bingham

June 1, 2020

COVID-19 is a new illness that affects the lungs and a person’s ability to breathe. It is caused by a virus that can be transmitted from person to person.  Symptoms include fever, cough, and trouble breathing. It also may cause stomach problems, such as nausea and diarrhea, and a loss of your sense of smell or taste. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus. People can infect other people, even if they do not have any symptoms. Hand washing is very effective at killing the virus. Wearing a mask can help to prevent transmission of the virus, and social distancing from other people can help to reduce transmission as well.

Being ready for an emerging public health crisis is a matter of life and death for the people and economy of South Carolina. As we know, the negative effects of a pandemic threat are not just limited to the immediate dangers to public health and climbing death rates, but also threaten our economic viability.

We need leaders with expertise and character who will work together on public health plans that build on the three basic elements of controlling the spread of infection so that our economy, schools, and churches can function safely. As we optimize supply chains to make sure we have enough protective supplies, and scientists continue to work on best medical treatments, we immediately need:

  1. Early testing for everyone — accessible, free, widespread testing for the virus so that carriers can be identified, especially those without symptoms.
  2. Increased support for SC DHEC, public health workers, and the use of digital technology in adapting mobile apps, to perform contact tracing to reduce ongoing exposure of others.
  3. Secure, safe and appropriate spaces for voluntary, self-imposed short-term isolation and quarantine of people who are carriers of COVID-19. This includes financial and academic safeguards for those who have to be out of work or school to quarantine. 

Similar evidence-based public health protocols have been used successfully for decades to control the spread of other infectious diseases. These ongoing measures must take place while we also work on immunizations, medicines, and treatment to alleviate suffering, prevent death and reduce transmission. Our healthcare workers are on the frontline of taking care of people who are already sick, and we must insist on all protections for them to do their job safely, including adequate personal protective equipment and policies that protect them if they are exposed to COVID-19. However, you – the people of our community – are the frontline of defense in reducing transmission of this disease by taking care of each other.

Let’s get through this together!

N. Dawn Bingham, MD, MPH, FACOG

Additional Community Resources

Updated South Carolina Cases by County and Zip Code

Interactive map showing latest confirmed and estimated COVID-19 cases by ZIP code.

Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce

Comprehensive and compiled list of resources and information available to small business owners.

Greenville County Chamber of Commerce

COVID-19 Employer Resource Guide

Spartanburg Academic Movement

Supporting Family Stability and Online Learning Assistance

South Carolina Education Association

Meals on Wheels of Spartanburg

Organization providing food security to those in need.

Ruth’s Gleanings

Ruth’s Gleanings is a food rescue and distribution service in Spartanburg, SC focusing on reclaiming excess fresh and health food, including produce, prepared meals, and perishable items which otherwise would be discarded.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.

National Alliance of Mental Illness

Comprehensive list of local resources in Spartanburg and Greenville for caregivers and those coping with mental illness.

Spartanburg

Greenville

Safe Harbor Domestic Abuse Help

If home is not safe, Safe Harbor offers safety planning, shelter, and programs to help. Safe Harbor’s 24/7 helpline is available for safety planning information.

Drug & Alcohol Addiction Resources

The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) has a wealth of online recovery resources.

Free and Low-Cost Family Planning

No Drama

Planned Parenthood

South Carolina Commission on Minority Affairs

Translations of COVID-19 Info

COVID-19
Crisis Resources

Where to go if you need healthcare information and free COVID testing:

  • In May 2020, DHEC announced a statewide testing strategy to gain a better understanding of the prevalence of COVID-19 among all South Carolinians.

  • Free virtual visits, drive-thru testing and toll-free 24/7 Community Response Line 1-833-2PRISMA. Comprehensive info listed for both patients, visitors, and caregivers.

  • Free COVID-19 video visits and list of additional health resources available, from tips on spotting symptoms to guidance on where to send donated supplies.

Community Resources & Emergency Help

  • Covering Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties. Main COVID response page, with a broad list of resources and links.


  • Daily updated resources to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • With schools, organization and businesses altering their schedules due to COVID-19 virus, having access to reliable and timely information as well as details about available resources is critical.

  • SCIWAY has links to an abundance of local organizations in Greenville County to help with everything from health counseling, mentoring, childcare, youth development, help for senior citizens and more.

How to Help & Volunteer

General Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

Providing Essential Items

  • Local organization providing menstrual products and education resources for women and girls in need.