- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 10, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Respiratory disease season is quickly approaching, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) wants to make sure you and your family are prepared. The best way to protect yourself and those you love against the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to get vaccinated. “We are entering the cooler part of the year when respiratory…, said Dr. Linda Bell, DPH Health Programs Branch director and state epidemiologist, . “Fortunately, we have more tools than ever to help protect people against these potentially severe respiratory diseases. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors.” Here are some helpful reminders and new information concerning flu, COVID-19 and RSV:, The flu shot is the best way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its potentially serious complications., The specific strains of flu change every year, and as a result the flu vaccine is updated every year to match the current strains. As a result it is important to receive the updated flu vaccine every fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. , The new COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025 is now available, and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Getting a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is important because the vaccines are updated to give the best protection from the currently circulating strains of COVID viruses, which changes like the flu virus does. Both the flu and new COVID-19 vaccines can be obtained at a retail pharmacy, health care provider or DPH health department . The COVID-19…, The CDC and DPH recommend the RSV vaccine for the following groups of people, : All adults 75 and older. Adults 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. More information can be found here on the CDC website . Pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The antibodies from the vaccine are passed on to the fetus, protecting the newborn from severe RSV for up to six months. RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. RSV…, *Updated: Nov. 21, 2025, to correct an error.
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 15, 2025, DPH joins OSUS, OMH in encouraging honest conversations that help keep loved ones safe during the holiday season, COLUMBIA, S.C. – The holiday season brings celebrations, gatherings and long-awaited reunions, but it can also be a time when alcohol and other substances are more present in social settings. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD)’s Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) in urging…, said Sara Goldsby, director of OSUS, . “A simple check-in or honest conversation can help someone avoid a dangerous situation or feel supported when they need it most.” OSUS encourages loved ones to talk openly about safe transportation, plans for getting home and how to handle situations where alcohol or other substances may be present. For people in recovery, holiday parties and gatherings can come with added pressure. Offering a…, said Michelle Nienhius, manager of prevention and intervention services for OSUS, . “Looking out for the people you care about is one of the most meaningful things you can do during the holidays.” “While December is a time of family and celebration for many, the holiday season is very different, and challenging, for many of us,”, said Robert Bank, acting director of the BHDD Office of Mental Health (OMH), . “Whether it’s economic pressure, family and social obligations, or simply feeling left out because the holidays aren’t as joyful for you as others, this can be a challenging time. Never forget that the most important gift you can give to yourself, those you care for, and those who care for you is taking time to check in and nurture your mental health. If you are struggling, help is available,…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH Interim Director, . "Nobody should have to navigate these challenges on their own, and help is available to all in need." For more information about statewide addiction services and resources, visit daodas.sc.gov . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, April 30, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Midwifery Advisory Council will meet Monday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room A114, 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:, 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. 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 manager, . “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.”, Bat Week Events and Recognition, Members of the South Carolina Bat Working Group have compiled a list of events during October in celebration of Bat Week. DPH would like to thank all hosts and members of the bat working group for their passion to share educational opportunities for our community members. As part of Bat Week, DPH will be spotlighting drawing contest entries from students on the agency’s social media platforms.…, How to Protect Yourself and Others from Potential Rabies Exposure, If you find yourself in the presence of a bat, it’s important to know that it’s not always possible to tell if you’ve been bitten because their teeth are small, and bites may go unnoticed. Unusual behaviors in bats that might indicate the animal has rabies include daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are not usually seen, like in your home or on your lawn. It should…, McCollister said, . “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 when possible. Stay calm and contact a wildlife control operator or visit DPH’s bat webpage to learn how to safely capture…, 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:, Aug. 29, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is taking time to remember those lost to overdose and to highlight the need to address stigma centered around substance use disorder with an aim to end overdoses. “Sadly, many across our state have felt the pain of the loss of a loved one from an overdose,”, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director., “By working together, we can reduce the stigma around substance use disorders and raise awareness and access to the education, testing and treatment needed to save the lives and prevent future overdoses.” In South Carolina, as across the nation, fentanyl has become the primary driver for overdoses and the leading cause of overdose deaths. Without the user’s knowledge, fentanyl is often mixed with…, DPH and Partners Works to Increase Access to Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips, DPH is diligently working to enhance access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips statewide. Complimentary Overdose Prevention Safety Kits are available to all community members at DPH health clinic locations . These kits contain test strips, naloxone (Narcan), treatment resources and instructions for their use. “The distribution of Narcan is an important strategy in our aim at providing a vital…, said DaAsia Hamilton, DPH Substance Use Prevention Director, . “By ensuring that Narcan and fentanyl testing strips are readily available where it’s needed the most, together we can save lives and support healthier communities.” Naloxone, when administered in time, can reverse the effects of overdose from opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and others) and heroin. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and does not…, Dashboard Helps Communities to Take Actions to Prevent Overdoses, Additionally, to keep track of new drug trends and changes in the local drug supply, DPH’s biosurveillance team works with hospitals across the state to gather detailed information about different substances. This information is available to the public through a comprehensive Overdose Biosurveillance Tracking Dashboard . The dashboard helps community members, health care professionals and…, DPH recommends the following tips to South Carolinians to prevent overdose deaths:, , Be Aware:, Understanding the risks associated with fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Always assume that drugs purchased illicitly could be contaminated with fentanyl., Know the Signs:, Learn about the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose., Carry Naloxone (Narcan), : Narcan is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Knowing how to use Narcan could save a life., Reach Out:, If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, seek help. Local resources and support groups are available to assist in recovery., Get Free Opioid Overdose Kits at DPH Health Clinics, : Pick up a free Overdose Prevention Safety Kit from a local health clinic so you are prepared to respond during an opioid overdose. If you or someone you know has experienced an overdose, it's crucial to seek immediate treatment to ensure recovery and prevent future occurrences. Overdoses are critical medical emergencies, but prompt treatment can help individuals recover and begin the journey to…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Aug. 5, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has published the 2024 report on prescription drug use in the state. The annual report provides a detailed assessment of controlled substances that are prescribed to South Carolinians, which can help health officials prevent prescription medication misuse, substance use disorders and opioid overdoses. Each year,…, said Samantha Donnelly, Prescription Monitoring Program, Epidemiologist, . “We are encouraged by the growing use of the PMP and the continued decline in overall controlled substance dispensing across South Carolina. At the same time, we remain vigilant in monitoring the rising use of stimulants and ketamine throughout the state.” Since 2014, South Carolina state law has required prescription medication dispensers to upload their daily dispensations into the state’s…, said Chelsea Townsend, PharmD, Prescription Monitoring Program, Director, . “DPH and its partners can use this data to help intervene in potential areas of prescription drug misuse, which can, ultimately, save lives. In addition to the annual report, the PMP publishes real time quarterly updates via our PMP dashboard . We encourage stakeholders to use these trends to make informed decisions in their local areas.” The South Carolina Prescription Monitoring Program and…, DPH reminds all South Carolinians that help is available for anyone experiencing substance use issues:, S.C. Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ (BHDD) Office of Substance Use Services: For information about treatment options and other resources, call 803-896-5555 or send a message to daodas.sc.gov/contact . The Office of Substance Use Services also provides a map and contact information for treatment providers around the state for those wishing to contact a treatment…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 27, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is standing down its winter storm-related Triage Line for eligibility for Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS) as of 2 p.m. today and resuming normal hours of the agency’s CareLine ( 1-855-472-3432 ) at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 27. Both services had been operating on a 24-hour basis since Jan. 23. The Care…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 28, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming a second winter storm-related death that occurred over the previous weekend. On Sunday, Jan. 25, an 83-year-old female in Lexington County died from hypothermia while outside. The first reported death was a 96-year-old female in Greenwood County who died of hypothermia Monday. Both deaths were…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 9, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The SC EMS Advisory Council will meet Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room A108, 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. 14, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat and a raccoon from Greenville County have tested positive for rabies. The bat was found near Easley Bridge Road and 2nd Avenue in Greenville, S.C. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. The raccoon was found near Cleveland Street and East Faris Road in…, 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…