- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 17, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is partnering with 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 care during the holiday season. While the holidays signal joy and festivity for some, for others they can…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH Interim Director, . “Along with our partners, we want to ensure that all South Carolinians know that there are resources available to help you during the holiday season and throughout the year. You are not alone, and help is available.” SCDMH offers a variety of resources for South Carolinians struggling with mental health issues year-round. Hopeful Minds, provided by SCDMH, is a free online platform that…, said Dr. Robert Bank, SCDMH Acting State Director, . “Whether it’s economic pressures, family and social obligations, or feeling overwhelmed, it can be a challenging time. Please remember the most important gift you can give yourselves and those who love you is taking care of your health – both physical and mental.” About 451,000 people in South Carolina suffer from substance-related problems, according to DAODAS. The holidays can include…, said DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby, . “We know that preventing substance use and misuse before they take place is critical, which is why conversations about these topics can be lifesaving.” To help adults start this communication, last year DAODAS launched OpenConversationSC.com , which serves as a resource center to help parents know how to talk with their kids about a variety of topics. DPH is also highlighting the availability…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jun. 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding everyone in South Carolina to take measures to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses as temperatures rise across the state this week. According to the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk Map , South Carolina will face its first prolonged period of extreme heat of the year this week, leading…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “These illnesses can be dangerous, and even deadly, but those risks can be greatly reduced by taking proper precautions.” There are three stages of heat-related illness:, Heat cramps, are painful muscle spasms often occurring in the legs or abdomen. If you experience heat cramps, move to a cool place and drink water. You can also massage and stretch the muscle that’s cramping and apply something cold to the muscle, like an ice pack., Heat exhaustion, is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid by sweating, sometimes with excessive loss of salt. The signs of heat exhaustion include the skin feeling cool and clammy or moist, and looking pale or flushed. People with heat exhaustion may also get a headache, nausea, or feel weak and dizzy. Immediately stop your current activity, rest in a cool place, and drink plenty of liquids. Consider…, heat stroke, . The signs of heat stroke are red, hot, dry skin and confusion or loss of consciousness, as well as rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. Heat stroke is the most serious of health problems associated with heat, and it is a life-threatening emergency. Early and rapid recognition and treatment of heat stroke are the only means of preventing permanent brain damage or death. If you suspect…, All heat-related deaths are preventable. DPH recommends the following tips to stay safe:, Those at highest risk of heat-related illness are the elderly and the very young. Extra precautions to avoid higher temperatures should be taken for these groups. Drink plenty of water. If you are doing an outdoor activity, drink 2- 4 glasses of at least 16 ounces of cool fluids every hour. Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these cause you to lose…, DPH reminds residents to ACT to protect children from vehicular heatstroke:, A - Avoid heatstroke, –related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Make sure to keep your car locked when you are not inside so kids don't get in on their own. Do not leave dogs or other animals in a car, even if the windows are cracked., C - Create Reminders, : Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child's car seat when it's empty and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat, or place and secure your phone, briefcase, or purse in the back seat when traveling with your child., T - Take Action, : If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. Take care to avoid heat illness or injury in pets. Dogs or other animals should not be left alone in a car, even with the windows cracked. Additionally, use caution on hot pavement to avoid burns to unprotected paws. During times of extreme heat, it is…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 24, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Due to the potential for extended power outages as a result of the winter storm that will impact South Carolina over the weekend and into next week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has authorized a one-time early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due through Jan. 30, 2026. Dispensers shall…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 30, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is announcing two additional deaths confirmed as being related to the winter storm that swept through the state this past weekend, bringing the total number of storm-related fatalities to four. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, a 79-year-old male died in Oconee County as a result of a slip-and-fall accident involving ice…
- CORRECTION: A correction was made from CO2 Exposure to CO Exposure, and from January 31 to January 25., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 13, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is announcing 11 additional deaths confirmed as being related to the winter storms that swept through the state at the end of January through early February, bringing the total number of storm-related fatalities to 17. The table below contains details about the additional 11 deaths that occurred between January 25…
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- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 20, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Trauma Advisory Council will meet Thursday, Apr. 23, at 1 p.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 South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force Meeting - Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Health Planning Committee will meet Tuesday, June 9, at 3 p.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room A124, 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 COVID-19, flu (influenza), and RSV levels in sewage water. Respiratory Disease Dashboard Measles Wastewater Dashboard The Measles Wastewater Dashboard dashboard shows measles‑positive wastewater detections across South Carolina, providing weekly updates to support …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 23, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has opened its Triage Line for residents to call to determine their eligibility for Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS) during an emergency in light of the winter storm expected to impact the state this weekend and cause extended power outages into the following week. The number is 1-833-351-9990 and will be…