February 2026 E-Newsletter
Housing Authority of Darlington
324 Bacote Street, Darlington, South Carolina 29532
Phone: 843.393.0436
Fax: 843.393.0443
Website: DarlingtonHA.org
Important Dates For Residents
- February 1st - Rent, Retro Rent, and Repayments Due
- February 5th - Last Day to put Rent in Drop Box before 4:30 pm
- February 6th Rent plus $25.00 Late Fee
- February 7th - Late Notices Delivered
- February 10th - Evictions Filed for January (Rent plus $25.00 Late Charge and $50.00 Court Cost)
- February 16th - OFFICE CLOSED in observation of President's Day
Appointments are Important
Please make an appointment prior to coming to the office or go to our website (DarlingtonHA.org) to ensure your concerns are addressed in the most efficient manner. Making an appointment allows staff to be prepared to service you quickly and efficiently. You may call or email your Housing Director, Ms. Elaine Bell-Ansong, in reference to a change in your current situation or any concern(s) you may have. She can be reached at 843.393.0436 extension 2004, or by emailing her.
Maintenance
If you have a maintenance problem or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Maintenance Director, Mrs. Karen Beedy. She can be reached by telephone at 843.393.0436 Extension 2003 during normal working hours or by emailing her. After hours, please call the Emergency Line 843.496.8519.
Reminder: Please DO NOT flush feminine products and/or any wipes even if they say flushable.
February Heart Health Message
February is American Heart Month - a perfect time to show your heart some love! Your heart works tirelessly for you every second of every day, and small daily choices can make a big difference in keeping it strong.
of activity most days.
Heart-Healthy Reminders:
- Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes
- Eat smart: Fill your plate with colorful
- fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Know your numbers: Keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Manage stress: Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or simply take time to relax.
- Don't smoke: Quitting is one of the best gifts you can give your heart.
This February, wear red, spread awareness, and encourage loved ones to take steps toward a healthier heart - because every heartbeat matters.
As we start the new year, influenza cases are on the rise across most of the country.
The American Red Cross offers important information about the flu ─ symptoms, how to treat it, how to care for someone who is sick. What should you know and do?
Do I have the flu? Common flu symptoms include high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children.
Who is at high risk of complications from the flu? Flu is particularly dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people of any age who have chronic health problems, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and weak immune systems. Learn more here.
How long am I contagious? People with flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness. You may be able to spread the flu before you even know you are sick. Some healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning a day before they develop symptoms and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
How can I help prevent the flu? If you are sick, stay home. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent those around you from getting sick. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
I'm taking care of someone with the flu. What should I do? Designate one person as the caregiver. Avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless they have been cleaned between uses. Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace. Wash dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap. Wash clothes as you normally would, using detergent and very hot water. Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.
Is it too late to get a flu vaccine? It's not too late to get a flu shot, which health experts say can still prevent severe illness even if someone gets infected. According to the CDC, only about 42% of adults and children have gotten a flu vaccination so far this year.
If I get a vaccine, can I still donate blood? Receiving the flu vaccine has become a regular part of flu season for many. The American Red Cross encourages individuals to protect their own health this cold and flu season by receiving a vaccination for flu, COVID-19 or RSV. Receiving any of these vaccines causes no wait period to donate and does not affect donation eligibility.
How do I make an appointment to give blood? If you are feeling well and show no symptoms of infection, please come in to donate. You can find a blood drive or schedule a donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767). For more information on requirements for donating blood, please check the Eligibility Criteria page.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
