FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — As National Hospital Week (May 11-17) is recognized across the country, the South Carolina Department of Public Health praises South Carolina’s hospital and healthcare workers for their courageous and caring roles in protecting people’s health. Healthcare workers are a fundamental part of DPH’s vision to support healthy people living in healthy communities.
Since 1953, National Hospital Week has spotlighted hospitals, health care systems and medical professionals who work to save and protect people’s lives.
DPH licenses all 111 of South Carolina’s hospitals, staffed with nurses, doctors, practitioners and a variety of staff members who provide medical care and services to patients.
While healthcare professionals and support staff work on the frontlines to provide essential services to South Carolinians, DPH has an important responsibility to ensure the state’s healthcare facilities provide their services safely and reliably. DPH’s Healthcare Quality regulates more than 3,000 facilities and providers across the state, including hospitals, home health agencies, ambulatory surgical facilities, nursing homes, community residential care facilities and more.
"This week is the perfect opportunity to recognize the hard work of South Carolina's healthcare professionals," said Gwen Thompson, DPH's Deputy Director of Healthcare Quality. "Providing high-quality health care across our state is a shared mission, one that unites hospital and Healthcare Quality staff alike."
DPH works collaboratively with our state’s hospital systems and the South Carolina Hospital Association to promote disease prevention, individual care, and other resources that help keep South Carolinians safe and healthy.
Learn more about South Carolina’s hospitals at scha.org, and learn more about DPH’s role with licensing hospitals and healthcare facilities on DPH’s Hospital Licensure webpage. An interactive database of all DPH-licensed healthcare facilities is available using the Find a Facility online tool.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 15, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― In advance of International Bat Week (Oct. 24-31), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to learn about the important role bats play in the environment while also being cautious in their presence. Additionally, DPH is hosting a drawing contest to encourage K-8 students to learn more about bats and the risk of rabies.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 13, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The SC EMS Training Committee will meet Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m., at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room A141, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to view the meeting are available on the meeting event page.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 7, 2026
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding women across the state that early detection saves lives. The department also emphasizes that understanding your family’s breast cancer history is an important part of protecting your health.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 6, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk from Chester County and a bat from Oconee County have tested positive for rabies.