COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today that all South Carolinians aged 16 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 31, 2021 and can begin scheduling their appointments as of next Wednesday.  “Our priority with the vaccine has been to save the lives of those at the greatest risk of dying. By staying the course and resisting distractions, we’ve…

As part of their community-based strategy to address COVID-19 vaccine education and equity, CVS Health has opened a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Benedict College, 1903 Two Notch Road, to serve the Greater Columbia area. To schedule an appointment, call 1-855-287-6789. Testing is Monday – Saturday 9-4:30pm. More information on the education and equity program can be found here: https://www.cvshealth.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/cvs-health-builds-on-community-based-strategy-to-address-covid-19.  

Walmart Clinic Details Book Appointment: The call center is open 8AM-11PM for customers to call and make appointments.  Please call 833-886-0023 Clinic Days: Monday, March 15, Tuesday March 16, and Wednesday March 17 Time: 8AM-3PM EST Details: This will be a 3 day clinic of 390 appointments per day. The second appointment will be booked on-site once an individual receives a first shot. The second appointment clinic will run April 8-9. Location: Walmart Supercenter at…

The SC Stays housing assistance program will provide low-income residents up to six months (or $7,500) of rent or mortgage payments for eligible applicants. The application period is currently open, and applications can be submitted to SC Stays online at scstay.org or over the phone at 833-985-2929. Assistance will be provided until program funds ($25 million) are exhausted. Applications will be processed as they are received. To qualify: Applicants must certify that they are eligible;…

COLUMBIA, S.C.—Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced that beginning Monday, February 8, any South Carolina resident aged 65 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can begin scheduling their appointment to receive COVID-19 vaccine. DHEC’s online tool at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator shows locations currently accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccine and provides contact information for scheduling appointments at those locations. With increased vaccine allocations from the…

COLUMBIA, S.C. — In response to overwhelming call volume to the Care Line, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has added a new phone information line to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines and to help support people searching for vaccine provider information. COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line: 1-866-365-8110 The new vaccine information line launches today with 240 phone operators and is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. People…

Nonprofit Funding Opportunities   USDA Grants Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program Amount: $35,000-400,000 Description: The Community Food Projects (CFP) competitive grants program awards grants to eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, and food program service providers to promote self-sufficiency and increase food security in low-income communities by developing comprehensive, community-based solutions. Projects vary in scope, ranging from community gardens with market stands to marketing and consumer cooperatives, but all must involve low-income participants. Public food program service providers,…

Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that amends the emergency ordinance extending mask face coverings. Also this emergency ordinance extends the temporary suspension of the normal operating procedures of City Council and City Boards and Commissions meetings. Amendments to the ordinance include fines and stipulations for not wearing masks on a busy sidewalk waiting area, or popular outdoor area where it is impractical or impossible to maintain six feet…

The City of Columbia is happy to announce the launch of the Resilient Columbia CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program.  The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $14.3 million in CARES Act funding across South Carolina to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The City of Columbia received $2.9 million of the funds awarded…

Through a partnership with the City of Columbia and Doctor’s Care, Mayor Steve Benjamin will receive a flu vaccination on Friday, October 2 at 9:30 am in the parking lot behind Columbia City Hall at 1737 Main Street. After receiving his vaccination from a representative of Doctor’s Care, Mayor Benjamin will express the importance of preventing the spread of the flu in our Midlands communities this season, and encourage Midlands citizens to get their own…