- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 14, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The EMS Training Committee will meet Thursday, Apr. 16, at 10 a.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room A141, 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:, Apr. 22, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The EMS for Children Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Apr. 23, at 10 a.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room B228, 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:, July 29, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that one horse and two foxes, one from two different counties, have tested positive for rabies. A horse found near Sullivan Road and Pearman Dairy Road has tested positive for rabies. Five people have been referred to their health care providers and 30 equines (i.e., horses and donkeys) will be…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program director, . "It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind." In South Carolina, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but pets are just as susceptible to the virus. If you see an animal in need…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Mar. 17, 2025, Mosquito management and bite prevention are key to limiting exposure to West Nile Virus., COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents can help the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) track West Nile virus this spring, summer and fall by taking steps to safely submit certain species of dead birds for lab testing. DPH’s dead bird surveillance program helps the state identify where and when there is an increase in West Nile virus (WNV) activity. A high rate of birds infected with the disease…, said Dr. Chris Evans, DPH State Public Health Entomologist, . “Timely mosquito control, preventing mosquito bites , and eliminating mosquito breeding is the best way to protect your community from illness.” Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. After one to two weeks, infected mosquitoes can transmit WNV to people and other animals. “Most people infected with West Nile virus have no…, said Dr. Linda Bell, DPH State Epidemiologist, . “The primary way to get West Nile virus is from the bite of an infected mosquito, which is why mosquito bite prevention and control are so important in reducing human exposures.” The amount of WNV activity varies from year to year. In 2024, 30 birds were tested from 12 counties, six of which tested positive for West Nile virus. Getting accurate data indicating mosquito-borne disease activity…, crows, blue jays, house finches, house sparrows and other songbirds, that appear not to have been injured and are not decayed. These species of birds are more susceptible to WNV than other species, making them good candidates for testing. Birds of other types will be tested on a case-by-case basis., Deceased birds can be reported or submitted to DPH at local public health departments March 17 through November 30, . To safely collect a dead bird, residents should: Use gloves or pick up the bird with doubled, plastic bags., Do not touch a bird, dead or alive, with bare hands, . Keep the bagged bird cool until it can be placed on ice or in a refrigerator. If you can’t deliver the bird carcass to DPH within 36 hours of collection, freeze it until you are able to deliver it or have it shipped., Download and complete a , Dead Bird Submission and Reporting Sheet for West Nile Virus, and take the sheet and dead bird to a local DPH Health office during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday), . See a list of available DPH offices for drop-off; WIC-only public health departments can’t accept birds. For more information, including locating a local DPH office for submitting deceased birds, visit dph.sc.gov/birdtesting or contact the Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory at 803-896-3802 or vector@dph.sc.gov . Additional information about WNV and mosquito management tips are available at…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 5, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In advance of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining partners in observing National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 4-10) and South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month . “South Carolina is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and their impacts, and as we learned last…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “We encourage all South Carolinians to update their plans and make the necessary preparations in advance of each hurricane season to ensure they are not caught off guard if or when we experience severe weather events.” To prepare for a hurricane, DPH recommends all South Carolinians take the following steps:, Develop or review your family’s evacuation plan, . If you and your family had to evacuate your home, do you know where you would go and how you would get there? What will you do about your pets? Remember that emergency services may not be able to reach you during a storm, and hospitals and other facilities may be closed, so evacuating when directed by officials is the safest course., Stock up on disaster supplies like non-perishable food, water, batteries and medicine now, before these items become in short supply, . Current guidance recommends maintaining at least a three-day supply of food, water and medicine for each member of the family. Don’t overlook the pet food too! Visit DPH’s Make Your Emergency Kit webpage for additional suggestions., Document your significant possessions, . Photographs and serial numbers may be useful in event you have to file an insurance claim. If you reside in a flood prone area, you may wish to consider purchasing flood insurance and be mindful of the 30-day waiting period., Create or review your family’s communication plan, . Remember that the internet and wireless networks may not be accessible during or after a storm, so ensure that your family has another means of connecting with one another. Visit FEMA’s Make a Plan webpage for additional guidance., Ensure your home is ready to withstand hurricane impacts, . Trim tree branches that could break windows or damage your roof. Seal any gaps and cracks in outside walls. While you need not board the windows up now, you may wish to consider purchasing a few sheets of plywood or aluminum panels to keep on hand. You can find additional tips for preparing the home on FEMA’s website . While the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) serves as…, Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS), -- formerly known as Medical Needs Shelters -- with generator power and extra space. Access these shelters by calling 833-351-9990 , where transport arrangements can be made if needed. DPH also assists with pre-storm evacuation support and active monitoring of health care facilities during severe weather events and post-event recovery operations. In addition, DPH is part of the South Carolina…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 21, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 20-26) , the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to learn the dangers of lead exposure and how to protect themselves and their families from it. The theme for this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is “Bright futures begin lead-free." , Get the Facts:, While lead is a naturally occurring element, exposure to it can cause serious harm to people, especially children. Items such as leaded gasoline and household paint containing lead are no longer sold in the United States, but lead can still be found in everyday environments; it’s most frequently found in plumbing and paint in older homes as well as in contaminated dust and soil. Some toys,…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH deputy director of Health Promotion and Services and chief medical officer., “We want to ensure parents and caregivers are educated about the risk of lead exposure and how to best prevent children from encountering lead. Prevention is key, because children with lead poisoning may not have any symptoms.” , Get Your Home Tested:, Housing built before 1978, and especially housing built before 1960 may contain lead-based paint. The only way to know is by having the home tested. Assume that the paint has lead unless tests show otherwise. DPH recommends the following steps to prevent lead exposure at home: Make sure your child does not have access to chipping or peeling paint or chewable painted surfaces; Regularly wet-mop…, Get Your Child Tested:, Simple blood tests that check for lead levels are often performed by pediatricians during children’s wellness visits, usually the 12- or 24-month visits. Parents or guardians should talk to their child’s health care provider if they have questions or concerns about their child and lead exposure. Blood tests may be required for adults in occupational settings where there is a potential to be…, said ML Tanner, program manager for DPH’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, . “Knowledge is power and identification of lead hazards in a home is the first step in protecting a child from further harm.” To learn more about lead exposure, visit the DPH website or call 1-866-4NO-LEAD ( 1-866-466-5323 ). ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 25, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a raccoon and a bat – from different counties – have tested positive for rabies. The raccoon that tested positive was found near Ponce De Leon Avenue and Wespanee Drive in Charleston, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog and one cat were exposed and will be…, 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, . “Bats are an important part of South Carolina's ecosystems and deserve a healthy degree of respect just like all wild animals.” 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 they have rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 5, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), alongside statewide health advocates and partners, is reminding residents about risk factors for lung cancer and resources available to help prevent and screen for the disease. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in South Carolina, with tobacco use…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “Our goal is to empower South Carolinians with the tools, knowledge and support they need to quit smoking and live healthier lives. We also want to ensure that those at high risk for lung cancer know that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is available and can make a life-saving difference.” , Alarming Lung Cancer Statistics in South Carolina, According to recent CDC and American Cancer Society data, lung cancer accounts for about 1 in 4 cancer deaths in South Carolina. About one out of every 8 adults in South Carolina smokes, placing them and their loved ones at elevated risk for lung cancer and other chronic illnesses, according to data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Tobacco use contributes to roughly 80-90…, Resources for Quitting and Lung Cancer Screening, DPH and its partners offer multiple programs and resources designed to address the burden of lung cancer and commercial tobacco use in South Carolina: , SC Tobacco Quitline, : The SC Tobacco Quitline ( 1-800-QUIT-NOW ) provides free, 24/7 support to help people break their nicotine addiction. Accessible via TTY and available in multiple languages. , Low-Dose CT Scans, : For those at high risk, DPH encourages the use of low-dose CT scans, a tool shown to detect lung cancer in its earlier stages. The screening is recommended for people aged 50-80 with a significant smoking history or those who currently smoke. People who fall in this high-risk group should ask their doctors if LDCT is indicated for them. , Community Outreach Initiatives, : Partnerships with local hospitals, community centers, and faith-based organizations continue to expand awareness about the importance of lung cancer screenings and the benefits of quitting tobacco use. , The Role of Employers and the Community, Employers across South Carolina are encouraged to take an active role in supporting tobacco cessation within the workplace. Worksite wellness programs, such as those trained by CDC’s Work@Health® program, offer effective strategies for implementing smoking cessation initiatives that benefit employees and employers through improved health outcomes and productivity. “Workplaces can be a powerful…, said Sonya Younger, DPH’s Director of Comprehensive Cancer Control Unit and Work@Health trainer, . “Employers have a unique opportunity to support employees in quitting smoking, which ultimately enhances the health of their workforce and positively impacts our community.” , A Statewide Call to Action, DPH urges all South Carolinians to participate in Lung Cancer Awareness Month by learning more about lung cancer, understanding the importance of early detection, and encouraging friends and family to make tobacco-free choices. For more information on lung cancer screenings, visit dph.sc.gov/lungcancer or DPH’s Tobacco Cessation webpage for tobacco cessation resources. , Together, let’s make South Carolina a healthier, tobacco-free state., ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 10, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a bat and a skunk – from different counties – have tested positive for rabies. The bat that tested positive was found near Woodcreek Drive and Merry Oak Trail in Piedmont, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in…, 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, . “Bats are an important part of South Carolina's ecosystems and deserve a healthy degree of respect just like all wild animals.” 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 they have rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 11, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – A federal grant worth $925,389 was recently awarded to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) to continue the agency’s collaborative efforts with stakeholders across the state to provide services for people who have experienced sexual assault. The funds also will allow DPH to increase awareness about sexual violence in underserved communities. The…, said Danielle Wingo, director of DPH’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, . “It is a privilege to collaborate with and advocate for these organizations." DPH’s SVSP focuses on assisting SCCADVASA and the RCCs in providing high-quality sexual violence services to people affected by sexual violence with funding provided by OVW. Rape Crisis Centers also provide prevention services through other sources of funding. All 15 of the state’s RCCs offer services that are deemed…, said Sara Barber, SCCADVASA’s Executive Director, . “This funding is critical to sustaining the services provided by rape crisis centers in communities across our state that provide hope, healing and a pathway to wellbeing for survivors of these devastating intimate assaults.” While the RCCs in the state continue to provide the best services they can, sexual violence is one of the most under-reported acts of violence. If you have experienced…, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), , visit the , National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, or reach out to a rape crisis center in your area: , Agency Name, Counties Served, Beyond Abuse Abbeville, Laurens, Greenwood CASA/Family Systems Bamberg, Calhoun, Orangeburg Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Inc. McCormick, Edgefield, Saluda, Aiken, Barnwell, Allendale The Family Resource Center Kershaw, Lee Foothills Alliance, Inc. (Currently changing their organization name to First Light) Oconee, Anderson Hopeful Horizons, Inc. Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort…