DPH is currently unable to accept payments over the phone as the system is being updated.
If you need to submit a payment during this time, payments can be accepted online. Thank you for your patience.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 14, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing efforts being made to enhance the efficiency of stroke care and prevention throughout the state during the month of May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month.
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability or even death.
South Carolina ranks among the top 10 in the nation for the highest death rate due to stroke as of 2022, according to the CDC.
"The southeastern region of the United States is considered the 'stroke belt' because of the high number of stroke patients it sees each year,” said Allison McElveen, DPH EMS Section's Stroke/ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)/Sepsis Program Coordinator. “South Carolina is considered the "buckle" of the belt, as we have some of the highest cases. People who live in rural communities have a higher likelihood of developing diseases that lead to stroke, such as heart disease. Supporting professionals who serve rural communities ensures that residents have access to the best care possible for stroke and are educated on the steps to prevent and identify strokes at the first sign."
B.E.F.A.S.T. is an easy acronym to help you remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke—and perhaps save a life. Look out for any one of these signs that could mean a stroke, and call 911:
DPH, along with the SC Stroke Advisory Council, comprised of volunteer physicians, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and nurses, work diligently to collaborate with all hospitals, EMS agencies and rehab centers to ensure that South Carolina has a Stroke System of Care.
This system of care is a network of definitive healthcare facilities that provide a spectrum of care for all stroke patients, such as prevention, access, EMS, acute hospital care, rehabilitation and research activities. The current system is comprised of four separate regions (Upstate, Pee Dee, Midlands and Lowcountry) in order to identify patterns and ways to improve outcomes based on the specific needs for each region.
The regionalized method of the Stroke System of Care promotes stroke prevention in South Carolina and provides a comprehensive approach to the various trends and demographics in communities across our state.
More information regarding strokes can be found on the DPH's stroke webpage.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 5, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Central Cancer Registry (SCCCR), part of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), recently earned Gold Standard certification from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). This is the highest certification standard awarded by NAACCR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 3, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of several tips to help prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding areas while enjoying time outside this summer.
There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina, but fortunately not all of them bite people. Often, mosquitoes are simply a nuisance, but some species can pose serious health risks to people and animals by spreading disease.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 27, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health joins the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, through its Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS), in recognizing a predicted decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States and South Carolina in 2024. This encouraging trend is based on new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 20, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is proud to spotlight the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) professionals during National EMS Week. Every day, EMS professionals help save lives and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of their communities.