S.C. infant mortality rates at lowest in a decade
DHEC announced on Wednesday that South Carolina's infant mortality rate dropped by 25 percent since 2005, making it the lowest in the decade. In 2013, 6.9 babies died per every 1,000 born, according to GreenvilleOnline.com.
Officials say better prenatal and preventative care to expectant mothers played a large part in this drop. The use of lactation consultants in hospitals is also on the rise, better educating new mothers on breastfeeding methods and benefits.
The national average is 6.17 deaths per every 1,000 births. However, the U.S. is still ranked 169th globally for infant mortality. South Korea, Germany, the Czech Republic, Singapore and 20 other countries all have rates below 3.93 per 1,000.
Police chase in Florence leaves one bystander killed, suspect charged
An innocent bystander was killed in a three-car collision in Florence following a high speed car chase, WIS reported.
Kyeon Glover, 19, faces DUI charges after his vehicle traveled off the road and hit two other vehicles, as well as the west parking deck at McLeod Hospital.
Glover and another person were taken to the hospital for treatment, but a third individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident followed a chase by SC Highway Patrol who received word of Glover fleeing the scene of a burglary. There were reports of shots fired.
Doctor sentenced to prison for prescription drug, cocaine exchange
A Beaufort doctor has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for charges in connection with a cocaine and prescription drug ring, The State reported.
David Vincent Rhodes pleaded guilty in a Charleston hearing to conspiracy to possess and distribute oxycodone.
Rhodes said he began by writing prescriptions for painkillers for patients who did not have a medical reason, which escalated into writing them for people who did not need them in exchange for cocaine.
According to defense attorney Lionel Lofton, Rhodes "suffered from alcohol and drug addiction." Following his arrest, Rhodes entered Talbott Recovery Campus in Atlanta, Georgia. Rhodes successfully completed his stay and has passed all drug tests since, according to a letter from the rehabilitation center's director.
Rhodes is set to serve his time in a minimum-security prison in Florida, but Lofton is requesting a probation period that will include time in a halfway house and community service.