- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 18, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – An annual report released by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) shows a decline in health outcomes for infants in the first year of life, with the state’s 2023 infant mortality increasing 2.9% from the previous year. The source of the infant mortality data is DPH Vital Records, and the annual report is generated once all deaths are reported and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “These numbers are a stark reminder of how urgent the work to improve the health outcomes of infants in South Carolian remains. The persistent disparities we see, especially among Black and rural families, demand focused and sustained action.” Racial and ethnic disparities persisted in 2023, with infants born to Black women dying at more than twice the rate (11.7) of white women (5.2).…, said Danielle Wingo, DPH Bureau of Maternal and Child Health Director, . “But we recognize we can’t do this work alone. We are strengthening partnerships and aligning statewide strategies to support families before, during, and after pregnancy.” DPH, which houses the state’s Title V program, continues to partner with entities such as the South Carolina Hospital Association, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the South Carolina Chapter of…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 31, 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, considering the winter storm expected to impact the state this weekend. DPH has also expanded the hours of its Care Line to answer questions about DPH health department…, Triage Line:, 1-833-351-9990 to determine MEPS eligibility, Care Line:, 1-855-472-3432 for health department or other information, Sheltering Information, A Medical Equipment Power Shelter is an emergency shelter with limited support for people who require backup power for medical reasons. These are individuals who live at home and have a health condition that requires backup power for medical devices, refrigeration of medication, or specialized/hospital beds. Individuals in these shelters should bring a responsible adult companion to care for them…, About DPH’s Care Line, DPH’s Care Line helps residents find important health care services they need. Services include prenatal care, infant health care, transportation to medical appointments, family planning, well child check-ups, vaccinations, services for children with special health care needs, and much more. Learn more here . For more information about winter weather safety tips, visit scemd.org . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 11, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As Valentine’s Day approaches, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages South Carolinians to show love to their heart, their lungs, and their loved ones by quitting nicotine products. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (heart) disease, and data shows cigarette smokers have a 70% greater chance of dying of heart disease than…, said Katy Wynne, SC Tobacco Quitline and Cessation program manager, . “We want to remind people about free quit support options here in South Carolina that can protect health and add years to your life.” Quitting tobacco improves mental health, strengthens the immune system and protects against chronic diseases, especially heart disease, type 2 diabetes and multiple types of cancer. Research shows that people who quit nicotine report reduced feelings of…, said Wynne, . “Resources are available to anyone in need of help, and we encourage all South Carolinians to use them.” To learn more about the SC Tobacco Quitline and available resources, visit quitnowsc.org . For more information on preventing heart disease, visit DPH’s heart disease webpage . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 9, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – During National Patient Safety Week, March 8-14, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing its Healthcare Quality team for their essential role in safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of residents statewide. DPH’s Healthcare Quality is responsible for ensuring health care facilities and several types of providers in South…, said Gwen Thompson, DPH’s Deputy Director of Healthcare Quality, . “DPH’s Healthcare Quality staff are committed to promoting high-quality health care services across the state.” In 2025, DPH Healthcare Quality: Regulated Peds Ready hospitals and EMS agencies that provide care to more than 210,000 pediatric patients Performed 2,000 drug control inspections, ensuring accountability for controlled substances Conducted 1,425 routine inspections and investigations…, Thompson said, . “We want patients and their families to feel assured that our staff are listening and working diligently to ensure they are protected and receive quality care they deserve from all DPH-licensed facilities.” DPH Healthcare Quality also focuses on educating facilities and helping them improve year-round. Staff offer compliance assistance meetings with facilities to address concerns as well as…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 13, 2026 National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week is April 12-18, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is using the observance to raise awareness of the impact of STIs in all populations as well as focus on how these infections affect young people. STI Awareness Week provides an opportunity to examine how STIs and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)…, said Bernard Gilliard, STD Program manager, . “By normalizing conversations around sexual health and making testing more accessible, we can significantly reduce infection rates and improve overall community well-being.”, Focused Approach, DPH’s programs and community partners focus their STD and HIV prevention efforts to reach people most at risk of acquiring these infections. This includes efforts to reach youth and young adults with information and resources to avoid infections. In 2024, our last year of reported data, the following can be noted for South Carolina: 81% of reported cases of chlamydia were diagnosed in people…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 15, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Henslowe and Ashburton lanes in West Columbia, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The bat was…, 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…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Eakin and Hook roads in Honeo Path, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing June 2, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies June 3…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.” It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This skunk is the second animal in Abbeville County to test positive for rabies in 2026. There have been 44 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 5, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of American Heart Month, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding residents that it is important to maintain good habits that build a strong, healthy heart. American Heart Month is a national campaign that spotlights cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in…, said Kristian Myers, DPH’s Diabetes and Heart Disease Management section director., “By making people aware of steps they can take in their daily lives to reduce the risk of heart disease, we hope to help South Carolinians live longer and healthier lives.” Women are disproportionately affected by heart disease. Nearly 75% of women ages 20-39 have one or more modifiable risk factors. That is why the first Friday of American Heart Month, Feb. 6 this year, is National Wear Red Day…
- For Immediate Release:, Dec. 3, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near N Stonehedge and Brookshire drives in Columbia, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The raccoon was submitted to DPH's…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 5, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that one skunk and one raccoon from different counties have tested positive for rabies. A skunk from Greenwood County was found near Lorenzo and Lemon Tree roads in Greenwood, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined per the Rabies Control…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . "If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it 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. If your pet…