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SC Commission for Minority Affairs to Host Black History Month Celebration Honoring Healthcare Professionals
Published Date
For Immediate Release
January 19, 2022
Contact: Shireese M. Bell at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.gov
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs (SCCMA) will celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of African Americans in healthcare and wellness through its annual celebration and month-long social media campaign.
This year's national Black History Month theme, "Black Health and Wellness," acknowledges the legacy of Black medical and public health professionals, and health care scholars and practitioners. The Commission for Minority Affairs will highlight leaders across the state for their strong commitment to advancing and/or supporting the health and wellness of residents in the state.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person Black History Month Celebration luncheon scheduled for Thursday, February 10 at 11 a.m. will be streamed live via the Commission's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/southcarolinaminorityaffairs). The luncheon is limited to invited guests only due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell, family physician and founder of the nonprofit Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The annual celebration will also include a statistical data presentation from the Commission for Minority Affairs' Social Science Research Analyst Ashley Hanna-Williams. SCCMA Executive Director Dr. Delores Dacosta will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.
The mission of Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc. (CTGIHC) is to decrease health disparities and increase health literacy among underserved African American and under-served communities in the SC. For more than 15 years, the organization has provided health education and programs that promote wellness and healthy lifestyles.
This year's award recipients will include State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell; primary care physician Dr. Winston McIver Jr.; Dolores B. Scott, director of Hold Out the Lifeline: A Mission to Families; and Florence businessman Tim Waters (Save a Lot).
For more information, contact Cynthia Haddad, African American Affairs Program Manager, at 803-995-8553 or email chaddad@cma.sc.gov.
Dr. Delores Dacosta Receives SC’s Highest Civilian Honor
Read Full ArticleCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Governor Henry McMaster recognized Dacosta during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the South Carolina State House.
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Dr. Delores Dacosta to Receive South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto
Read Full ArticleCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), will receive the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the office of Governor Henry McMaster (South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1971, it recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions with statewide or national impact.
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SCCMA Advisory Committee Meetings
Read Full ArticleFor Immediate Release
October 13, 2022
Contact: Shireese M. Bell at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.govThe South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs will hold the following virtual Advisory Committee meetings during the month of October:
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SCCMA Board of Commissioners Meeting
Read Full ArticleFor Immediate Release
June 21, 2022
Contact: Shireese M. Bell, Director of Public Information, at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.govThe South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2 p.m.