- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 6, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of National Public Health Week, April 6-12, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is affirming its commitment to improving the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina. Each April, National Public Health Week is observed to recognize public health contributions and address key health issues. The theme for this year’s…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “Public health is about protecting, uplifting and empowering individuals as well as communities, and we remain committed to ensuring we are connecting people with the services and tools needed to continue our progress toward a healthier future in South Carolina.” In 2025, DPH joined the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina and multi-sector partners from across the state in announcing the…, Simmer said, . “But our work is not finished, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening public health outcomes for every resident of our state. By focusing on evidence‑based practices and proactive collaboration, we’re ensuring that our efforts make a meaningful and measurable difference.” If you are interested in joining DPH’s team of professionals who are a passion for making a difference…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Trauma Advisory Council will meet Friday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m., virtually. The agenda and link to view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 5, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a beef cow found near Gentry Road and Highway 81 S. in Starr, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Nineteen cows were exposed to the rabid cow and will be quarantined as prescribed by the Public Health Veterinarian. The cow was submitted to DPH'…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager, . This cow is the first animal in Anderson County and the state to test positive for rabies in 2026. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 138 positive cases a year. In 2025, 10 of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Anderson County. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies . ###, *Edited on Jan. 5, 2026, to specify the type of cow that tested positive.
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 15, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Trauma Advisory Council will meet Thursday, October 23, at 1 p.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room B214, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to virtually view the meeting are available on the meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 16, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force will meet Thursday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. virtually. The agenda and Microsoft Teams link are available on the meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 10, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The SC EMS Advisory Council will meet Thursday, March 12, at 10 a.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room B214, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to virtually view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 6, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a stray cat found near Vines Road and Dungannon Drive in Ninety Six, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Two people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. The cat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Jan. 2, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies Jan. 5, 2026.…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “If you see an animal in need, watch it from a distance and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator , or wildlife rehabilitator .” An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. Stray…
- South Carolina faith leaders asked to take a short survey to help guide public health efforts., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 12, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is working to expand and strengthen its long-standing relationship with faith-based organizations across the state and is asking faith leaders to provide input about the needs of their organizations and communities. By completing a short survey , faith groups can help DPH understand their needs and how they and…, Dr. Simmer said, . “We know that attempting to reach them all is no small feat. However, we also know the great impact this could have on the health of everyone in our state if we can build deeper relationships with faith groups aimed at empowering people to improve their health. The effort will be well worth it.” The Healthy Faith Partnerships initiative seeks to more formally recognize the critical partnerships…, Dr. Simmer said, . “That’s why the needs survey is important,”, Dr. Simmer said, . “We at DPH don’t have all the answers. We don’t know the needs of local communities like those who live, worship and serve there. And while we have certain expertise and resources to help, we can’t do it alone. Faith groups can be big difference makers.” The Healthy Faith Partners Survey is open now, and all faith-based organizations are asked to take it. Anyone unable to complete the survey…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 13, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster recently signed a proclamation recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in South Carolina, emphasizing the importance of early detection by lung cancer screening , tobacco cessation , and lung cancer prevention . In support of this observance, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining statewide partners and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “We want to equip South Carolinians with available tools and resources that can help them quit smoking and live a longer, healthier life.”, Lung Cancer Risks and Screening, Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and screening saves lives. When caught early, before the cancer spreads, the five-year survival rate increases to 65%, according to the American Lung Association. The United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for adults who are 50 to 80 years old, have a 20 pack…, Tobacco Use and Lung Cancer in South Carolina, About 1 in 8 adults in South Carolina smoke. Tobacco use causes 80 to 90% of lung cancer cases, with smokers being 15 to 30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Additionally, non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are 20 to 30% more likely to develop lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 4,710 new cases of lung cancer in South Carolinians this…, Resources Available to Help, The SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provides free, 24/7 quit support to residents of South Carolina, regardless of health insurance coverage. Callers receive personalized quit support designed to double their chance of quitting successfully. Free nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches, gum and lozenges are available to people ages 18 and up (if appropriate). Services can be…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 6, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon and two bats have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Laurens County, the raccoon that tested positive for rabies was found near Simpson Creek and Neely Ferry roads in Laurens, S.C. One cat was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “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…