- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 17, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― October is Substance Use Prevention Month , and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) in highlighting the importance of prevention efforts and programs aimed at reducing harms associated with substance use. In South Carolina, substance use has been a growing…, said DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby, . “We are so grateful that Governor McMaster has chosen to proclaim October as Substance Use Prevention Month in South Carolina, and we hope all South Carolinians will join us in celebrating the county alcohol and drug authorities, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, youth-serving organizations, community volunteers, faith communities, schools, and other organizations that…, said Emma Kennedy, Director of the SC Department of Public Health’s Injury and Substance Use Prevention Section., “We are encouraging parents, caregivers, educators and community members to have open conversations with their children and youth around the dangers of misusing substances and illegal drug use.” DPH has focused on providing naloxone to schools for emergency situations. Naloxone, when administered in time, can reverse the effects of overdose from opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine,…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 1, 2024, Edited: Nov. 4, 2024, COLUMBIA, S.C. -- With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updating vaccinations for two serious respiratory illnesses, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds everyone that vaccines are effective at protecting people against the most severe effects of many infectious diseases. Last week, the CDC updated its vaccine recommendations for pneumococcal…, said Dr. Linda Bell, DPH Health Programs Branch director and state epidemiologist, . “It's a recognition of risk factors for additional adults that should be considered in order to best protect not just them but their families and loved ones." CDC also has updated the vaccine recommendations for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. These…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 1, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon and an unvaccinated 4-month-old puppy – from different counties –, , have tested positive for rabies. In Cherokee County, the unvaccinated puppy that tested positive for rabies was found near Union Highway and Stephenson Street in Gaffney, S.C. The puppy was exposed to a skunk three weeks before it began showing signs and symptoms of rabies. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. One dog was exposed and will be…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . “Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.” It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. Both the Cherokee County puppy and the Berkeley County raccoon are the first animals in their counties to test positive for rabies in 2024. There have been 70 cases of rabid…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 13, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Edgefield Street and Park Avenue in Greenwood, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people or pets are known to have been exposed at this time. The bat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on Sept. 11, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on Sept. 12, 2024. If you…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook.” Because of this, you should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when: They wake up to find a bat in a room or tent; A bat is found where children, pets, or persons with impaired mental capacity (intoxicated or mentally disabled) have been left unattended;…, McCollister said, . You cannot tell if a bat, or any other animal, has rabies by simply looking at it. Rabies must be confirmed in a laboratory. Unusual behavior in bats that might indicate the animal has rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are not usually seen, like in your home or on your lawn. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 23, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will observe its fifth annual PrEP ( pre-exposure prophylaxis ) Awareness Week by offering free HIV testing, PrEP educational webinars for providers and other activities, including visits to college campuses. This annual statewide initiative aims to increase awareness among providers and the community regarding…, said Tia Robinson, DPH’s PrEP program manager, . “When taken consistently as recommended, PrEP is extremely effective in preventing infection. We invite providers and the public to participate in the various events – from webinars to testing – to learn more about PrEP and its positive impact on HIV prevention.” During the week of Sept. 23-27, DPH is partnering with the South Carolina AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) to offer…, PrEP Symposium on Friday, Sept. 27, , from, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., This year's topics will include: Integrating PrEP Screening with the Well Woman Visit Selecting the Right PrEP Medication HIV PrEP & STI PrEP Increasing PrEP Use for People who use Injection Drugs DPH is also collaborating with several community-based organizations to provide free and confidential HIV testing, PrEP counseling and resources and PrEP gear on college campuses across the state.…, PrEP Block Party on Wednesday, Sept. 28, , from, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the campus of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. For more information about additional free testing sites, college testing events, and free webinars, visit dph.sc.gov/PrEP . As part of PrEP Awareness Week, free and confidential sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing will be offered Sept. 26 at most local health departments . Counseling will also be available. Appointments can…, , dph.sc.gov/PrEP . While PrEP Awareness Week is an opportunity for free testing, DPH encourages people who may be at risk of exposure to HIV and other STDs to routinely get tested so they can benefit from readily available prevention and treatment for these infections. DHEC health departments offer this routine testing daily. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 . Visit the DPH Public…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 25, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk and a calf from two different counties have tested positive for rabies. A skunk found near Rocky Farm and Snow Creek roads in Seneca, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program director., To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator , or a wildlife rehabilitator . Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH. In 2024, the…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) today wishes to announce the hiring of two new members of the agency’s executive leadership team., Holly Gillam, has been hired as Information Technology Director for the agency, and, Sharon Burke, has been hired as DPH’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “These two hires represent a tremendously positive direction for our agency,” said, Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim Agency Director, . “As interim IT director, Holly already has helped lead us through the enormous challenge of splitting off from the former DHEC to create a new state agency and has great institutional knowledge and professional respect. “Meanwhile, Sharon comes to us with two decades of experience as an HR director in the public and private sector. We are thrilled to have them both in these roles that are so…, Gillam, is a two-time graduate of the University of South Carolina, with both a bachelor’s (cum laude) and master's in technical geography. She began her working career as a part time instructor at Piedmont Technical College while working in the private sector for Westinghouse Electric Corporation (now Siemens) and then Shiloh Steel Fabricators. Gillam joined state government in 1995, working for USC’s…, Gillam said, . “Our agency’s team of IT professionals is second to none in state government.”, Burke, , most recently a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, has more than 20 years of experience as a Chief Human Resources Officer and HR Director, and her strategic leadership has consistently transformed organizations in both the public and private sectors. Burke has successfully led initiatives in talent management, employee engagement, and compensation. Under her leadership, her teams have…, Burke said, . “I have a deep commitment to employee well-being, and I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to positively impact the department's workforce and, as a result, contribute to the health and welfare of the people of South Carolina.” Gillam’s first day in her new role was Sept. 17. Burke began Oct. 2. Gillam and Burke’s biography and headshot can be found here . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 19, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the holidays approach, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding parents that paying attention to toy safety is always in season. Happy holidays start with keeping family and friends safe from common toy-related injuries. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2023 there were 10 toy-related deaths among…, said Kevin Poore, Director of, Safe Kids South Carolina, . “Remember to check the label and avoid toys that can shatter easily or may be dangerous if pulled apart and ingested, .”, Adults need to be aware that certain toys that are high tech or popular are inappropriate for some age groups. Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries, especially for children between the ages of 0-14. , Here are Safe Kids Worldwide’s top tips about toy safety: , Consider your child’s age when purchasing a toy or game. Read the instructions and warning labels to make sure the toy is just right for your child. Check to make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards before you settle on the perfect toy. Separate toys by age and keep a special eye on small game pieces that may be a choking hazard for young children. Toys…
- For Immediate Release Dec. 31, 2024, COLUMBIA, S.C., — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a skunk and a raccoon – from different counties – have tested positive for rabies. The skunk that tested positive was found near Mirror and Calder lanes in Clover, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Three dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . “However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies.” You cannot tell if an animal has rabies by simply looking at it. Rabies must be confirmed in a laboratory. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 15, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) proudly partnered with the Lee County Council on Aging to create new signage consisting of artwork by local students at two newly renovated community walking tracks in Rembert and Bishopville. Staff from DPH’s education program for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP-Ed ) section and the Lee County…, said Crystal Connor, a SNAP-Ed Registered Dietitian with DPH, . "By working with Lee County seniors through a physical activity program, I saw firsthand their desire to stay active to play with their grandkids. It's heartwarming to see local schools and community work together to support this multi-year project. Our team hopes that Lee County residents are inspired to continue showing generations to come the artwork displayed on the walking track signs.” To…, said Gale Housley, DPH Community Nutrition Enhancement Coordinator, . “By grounding this work in the voices and strengths of the community itself, we're creating something truly unique, something that doesn't just teach but takes root, with the power to be lived and sustained for generations to come." Constructed in 2022 as part of a capital penny sales tax referendum, the playground and track at the Springhill Community Center is maintained by the Lee County…, said Laurie Watkins, Executive Director of the Lee County Council on Aging, . “One of our goals at the Lee County Council on Aging is a focus on intergenerationality, and this project is one of many we have implemented that allow a connection between generations. As a former educator, having spent many years in the Lee County School District, I am delighted to see this connectivity firsthand. Many thanks to the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Lee County…, A ribbon cutting for the second story walk will follow at Lee County Council on Aging’s Bishopville Site, 51 Wilkinson Road Bishopville, on Tuesday, May 20 at 10 a.m., ###