- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 17, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee will meet Thursday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m., virtually. The agenda and Microsoft Teams link are available on the South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force Meeting - Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 18, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee will meet Friday, March 20, at 1 p.m., virtually. The agenda and Microsoft Teams link are available on the South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force Meeting - Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 1, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In 2023, for the first time in more than a decade, South Carolina saw a decrease in the number of overdose deaths in the state, outlined in the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s (DPH) newly released, 2023 Drug Overdose Deaths Report, . Each year, DPH’s Drug Overdose Deaths Report provides data and information about the fatal drug overdose deaths that occur in the state. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 2,157 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina, a 6.1% decrease from the 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022. Prior to 2023, the last time South Carolina saw a decrease in drug overdose deaths…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “This data reflects our hard work and shows our state heading in the right direction. While we celebrate this achievement, we still have a long way to go in our efforts to reduce drug overdose deaths in our state.” While South Carolina experienced a decrease in drug overdose deaths overall in 2023, there were increases in almost one-third (15 of 46) of the state’s counties, including Aiken,…, said Sara Goldsby, South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) director, . “Implementing evidence-based strategies that enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts yields results. The supplemental federal funds that South Carolina has received in recent years have been instrumental in expanding access to treatment and recovery services, increasing prevention initiatives, and strengthening community-based support systems. These resources have allowed us to take…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 8, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week and National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day both occur in April. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of STIs in all populations as well as focus on HIV’s effects on young people. Many of DPH’s local health departments will be…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH Chief Medical Officer, . “Together, we can help young people stay healthy by encouraging HIV testing, prevention and treatment.” In addition to National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, STD Awareness Week provides an opportunity to examine how STDs impact our lives. It also helps to reduce STD-related stigma, fear and discrimination. DPH works with its partners throughout the year to ensure that people have the tools and…, said Bernard Gilliard, Unit Manager Partner Services & Disease Intervention, . “We are seeing the first signs of STIs slowing in many years, as well as recent innovation in diagnostics and prevention, with self or at home tests and doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy PEP).” Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a preventive treatment using the antibiotic doxycycline to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly syphilis,…, Gilliard said, . “While the overall news is still encouraging, some groups and areas continue to be more severely impacted due to persistent stigma that creates obstacles to receiving quality healthcare services." DPH’s programs work to increase access to treatment and support services for those who are impacted by HIV and other STDs . Visit the DPH website for more information and resources on HIV and STDs.…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 8, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health joins the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) and the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) in emphasizing the importance of mental health while dealing with the wide-ranging impacts of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. In addition to posing physical health risks,…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “They were friends, neighbors, co-workers and helpers. We must remember that these people who have died are missed every day, and they have family and friends who love them and are deeply affected by their deaths. “The grief they feel will extend long beyond the cleanup efforts are over, and their loved ones have our deepest respect and sympathies.” DPH, SCDMH and DAODAS encourage South…, Take breaks, from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about Hurricane Helene or other stress-inducing issues repeatedly can be upsetting. , Take care of your body: , eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid alcohol and drugs. , Make time to unwind, and participate in activities you enjoy. , Connect with others., Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. , Don’t be afraid to reach out for help., It is OK to need assistance to stay mentally healthy. “The need for support doesn’t end when the storm passes, and you don’t have to do this by yourself,”, said Robert Bank, SCDMH acting state director, . “Many of us – our family, friends, and neighbors – will need ongoing help to emotionally recover from this devastating event. SCDMH’s unified system of care is fully functional and ready to help. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact your local mental health center, our statewide mobile crisis line, call or text 988, or utilize one of our anonymous, online screeners or the no…, said Sara Goldsby, DAODAS director, . “It is expected that everyone may be feeling some effects of the hardship and loss our state is experiencing. Taking time to address the mental and emotional impact of this disaster is equally important in the overall recovery effort. We want everyone to know that it's okay to reach out for support.” In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA)…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: , Oct. 21, 2024 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. Bats are beneficial mammals that eat thousands of mosquitoes and other nuisance insects every day. However, bats can spread the…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program director., “While bats are one of the more recognizable species that can carry and transmit the rabies virus, not every bat is infected with rabies. Bats are an important part of South Carolina's ecosystems, and they deserve a healthy degree of respect just like all wild animals.” Members of the South Carolina Bat Working Group have compiled a list of events during October in celebration of Bat Week. DPH…, McCollister said, . “It is only after they have released it that they begin to wonder where it came from and if they could have been exposed. Typically, that is when we are called. However, we encourage people to not release bats and call us first to rule out a potential rabies exposure.” DPH advises that bats involved with potential human or pet exposures should be captured using precautions to prevent exposure…, McCollister said., “As with any wild animal, give bats their space and call a professional wildlife control operator if bats are found inside your home or in the crevices of your eaves or roof, or in other small openings of your home. A wildlife control operator can safely remove the bats without causing them or you harm.” It is important, and state law requires, that pets be kept up to date on their rabies…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 4, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In conjunction with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the South Carolina Children’s Hospital Collaborative, the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, announces the release of the state’s inaugural childhood cancer report, titled “Childhood…, said Dr. Anna Hoppmann, pediatric oncologist at Prisma Health and Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, who served as the Childhood Cancer Taskforce chair. The Childhood Cancer Taskforce, Dr. Hoppmann said, was formed with experts from across the state with the goal of producing the first statewide report on childhood cancer. While South Carolina has produced reports on adult cancer in the past and those have informed cancer efforts moving forward, there had never been a childhood cancer report.…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, ., "This is an important example of taking data the state collects and engaging multiple partners with it statewide to produce something of significant long-term value." Dr. Aniket Saha, Prisma’s director of pediatric oncology in the Upstate, agreed. “This is the first step we have taken to help us and the citizens of South Carolina better understand and appreciate the current state of childhood…, Dr. Saha said, . “After reflecting on the report, we hope to create a platform for advocacy for children and their families and to improve outcomes related to childhood cancer with the hopes of helping our neighbors right here in South Carolina.” This collaborative report was made possible through the work of various stakeholders who are involved in caring for children with cancer in the state of South…, Chiodini said, . “Our mission is that this information be used to spread awareness or make improvements in the field of cancer. “We are excited that this collaboration with our partners at the Alliance and the Children’s Hospital Collaborative does just that." Dr. Hoppmann said this groundbreaking work could not have been possible without the support of all the state partners involved. “The state…, Dr. Hoppmann said, . “This is what happens when leaders in public health, pediatric oncology, and epidemiology put their heads together to understand the impact of childhood cancer in South Carolina.” Dr. Michelle Hudspeth, Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina, said the report represents an invaluable tool for…, Dr. Hudspeth said, . As part of the state cancer plan, DPH plans to update the Childhood Cancer Report every five years. To read the full report visit, sccancer.org/pediatrics . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 16, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Following the release of data on obesity in the United States, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding the public of the threat obesity poses to good health and reaffirming its commitment to helping South Carolinians live healthier lives. While adult obesity rates have remained stable over the past five years, as noted in the newly…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH deputy director of Health Promotion and Services and chief medical officer, . "Our state has excellent programs to address adult and childhood obesity, and this report provides insight into areas where we can strive to make improvements to better meet the needs of our residents." Obesity prevention should begin in childhood. DPH and the South Department of Education continue to collaborate on initiatives such as SC FitnessGram , a statewide movement to evaluate and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “DPH will continue our efforts to help South Carolinians live healthier lives, and we encourage residents to practice healthy habits that will improve their overall health and well-being.” DPH recommends the following tips to help South Carolinians maintain a healthy weight: , Rethink your drink , - Before picking up that can of soda, think about choosing something your body needs, like water, or low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. , Right size your portions , - Bigger is not always better. Remember to check the nutrition facts label for details on serving sizes and number of calories. , Move more every day , - Even small amounts of daily physical activity can help you stay healthy. Walking is a great way to exercise! , Eat more healthy meals at home -, Eating at home rather than eating out will not only reduce the amount of fat, salt and calories you eat, it also saves money. , Eat more fruits and vegetables , - Whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, fruits and vegetables are quick, delicious, and convenient. They will keep you healthy all year round. For more information on DPH’s nutrition, physical activity, & obesity prevention efforts, visit the DPH website . To learn more about Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) State of Obesity Report, visit the TFAH website . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 19, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that the state has experienced its first confirmed death caused by infection with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in more than 20 years. This is the first human case of EEE virus to be reported in South Carolina since 2020, and the first fatality from the virus in the state since 2003.…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “While cases of the virus in people are extremely rare, the effects can be very serious to those who are infected. We encourage everyone to take action to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites.” Approximately 30% of people who develop severe eastern equine encephalitis die, and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems, according to the Centers…, TIP, over anything that can hold water, such as toys, plant saucers or vases. To disrupt mosquito breeding cycles, change water often, even daily, in items like dog bowls and bird baths., TOSS, or recycle any unwanted yard items that may collect water, such as old tires, junk, or trash., TURN, over items that can hold water like children’s pools, wheelbarrows, or buckets., TIGHTEN, tarps over items like boats, wood piles, grills, and pools., TAKE CARE, of your property. Clean out debris from ditches, drains, and gutters. Keep grass cut low and trim or remove overgrown plants., TREAT, items that can’t be drained or emptied with appropriate mosquito control products., TEAM UP, and talk with neighbors about reducing mosquitoes in and around your home and neighborhood. DPH offers educational materials and tips for mosquito prevention, bite prevention and more via its website at dph.sc.gov/vbdoutreach . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 14, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of Birth Defects Awareness Month in January, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) are encouraging residents to embrace and support the families of children in their communities with birth…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim DPH Director, . “As we observe Birth Defects Awareness Month, we’d like to thank our state’s birthing hospitals and outpatient providers, who play a vital role in the efforts of the South Carolina Birth Defects Program by providing timely records that allow us to collect important data and connect families to critical services.” SCDHHS is the state agency that operates South Carolina’s Healthy Connections…, said SCDHHS Interim Director Eunice Medina, . “Through administering the Healthy Connections Medicaid and BabyNet programs and our collaborative work in leading SCBOI, SCDHHS looks forward to working with providers and stakeholders to ensure the healthiest possible start to life for those we serve.” DDSN plans, develops, coordinates and funds services for residents with various severe, lifelong disabilities. DDSN provides various…, said Joyce Kimrey, DDSN’s Early Intervention Director, . “Through our state agencies and partner organizations, there are numerous resources available to families, so we encourage parents to take advantage and give their children the best opportunity to succeed.” Tips and resources for preventing birth defects can be found on DPH's website . For more information on early intervention services, visit DDSN’s Children's Services webpage for links to…