FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 6, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. – August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating the continued increase in the number of breastfed infants in its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program and encouraging breastfeeding year-round to improve the health of babies across the Palmetto State.
In addition to nutrition education and healthy foods, DPH’s WIC program provides breastfeeding information, support and assistance at no cost to South Carolina families who qualify. Families interested in WIC should visit dph.sc.gov/wic.
Breastfeeding rates in DPH’s WIC program have steadily increased in recent years. In August 2022, 26.9% of infants participating in the program were either fully or partially breastfed. Breastfeeding rates increased to 28.1% in August 2023 and 29.7% in May 2024.
"We’re delighted about the continued increase in breastfeeding rates within our WIC program, which gives more of South Carolina’s babies a healthy start at the beginning of their lives,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH Deputy Director Health Promotion and Services and Chief Medical Officer. “Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients a baby needs for healthy growth and development and, we encourage all mothers to breastfeed their infants, when possible.”
WIC offers resources and collaborates with local organizations to help strengthen breastfeeding promotion and education to help close disparities. These initiatives include:
DPH’s WIC program encourages all mothers to breastfeed their infants, unless medically contraindicated.
Breastfeeding has many benefits including:
To learn more and for free resources related to breastfeeding, available to WIC and non-WIC participating families, visit DPH’s WIC breastfeeding page.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 24, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is adding two new confirmed cases of measles in Spartanburg County since Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in South Carolina this year to 25 and the total number of cases in the current Upstate outbreak to 22.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 23, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Twice a year, in April and October, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) partners with local law enforcement and other community organizations to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, by cleaning out and properly disposing of unused or expired medications.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 22, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating International Bat Week (Oct. 24-31) by encouraging residents to learn about the important role bats play in the environment while also being cautious in their presence.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 21, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is adding four new confirmed cases of measles in Spartanburg County since Friday, bringing the total number of cases in South Carolina this year to 23 and the number of cases in the current outbreak to 20.