- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, April 30, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to announce the awarding of a $7.7 million Maternal Care Access Project grant to Clemson Rural Health of Clemson University, effective April 24th. The grant includes $702,750 in one-time funding for the purchase of a Mobile Maternity Unit (MMU), then annual funding of $1.4 million for its operating…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “This has contributed to poor health outcomes for mothers and babies. Today, that begins to change. By bringing quality care directly to communities, DPH and the Clemson Rural Health of Clemson University are making it easier for women to get care close to home. Clemson is a strong partner in this work, and together we’re committed to improving the health of mothers and children in underserved…, Healthy Opportunities for Perinatal Equity, ). The B.L.O.O.M. clinic will integrate technology-enabled solutions to expand access to care and improve maternal health outcomes. Services will include preconception counseling, prenatal and postpartum care, chronic disease management, and lactation support. Patients will also benefit from remote patient monitoring, access to obstetric and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and connections to…, said Ron Gimbel, Clemson professor and director of CRH, ., Dr. Trey Moore, Family Physician, Abbeville Area Medical Center, agreed, . “This first-of-its-kind partnership in the Lakelands region allows Self Regional Healthcare and Clemson Rural Health to bring advanced maternity care directly to the highest-risk pregnant individuals in our communities,” Dr. Moore said. “By building on our hands-on approach to improving pregnancy outcomes, this program strengthens our ability to address the chronic conditions that contribute to…, said Danielle Wingo, Director of DPH’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, . “This mobile maternity unit will create new pathways to care for individuals who face significant barriers to accessing routine services. We look forward to partnering with them to expand access to high‑quality prenatal and postpartum care in our rural communities. —, About Clemson Rural Health, Clemson Rural Health is the organizing framework for Clemson's rural health service delivery and prevention efforts statewide - with locations including the Clemson Health Clinic at Walhalla, Clemson Health Clinic at Orangeburg, Clemson Community Primary Care – home of the Joseph F. Sullivan Center, Clemson Rural Health Support Office at Abbeville, and a fleet of Clemson Rural Health mobile…, About Self Regional Healthcare, Self Regional Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit health system serving the Lakelands region of South Carolina. Headquartered in Greenwood, the system delivers a full continuum of care across a seven-county service area, including Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda counties. Self Regional Healthcare provides care through its 358-bed acute care hospital,…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 8, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As Mother’s Day approaches on May 10, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) salutes all moms across the state, from those newly expecting to grandmothers and beyond. DPH encourages every mom to make physical and mental health a priority, reminding them that when they are healthier, so are their families, communities and us all. May is also Maternal…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer, . “Mother’s Day and Maternal Mental Health Month offer an opportunity for both new and experienced moms to reflect and make sure they are prioritizing their mental health, thus ensuring they have the emotional resilience to navigate daily stresses and enjoy the meaningful moments of motherhood.” Mental health matters for mothers at every age and stage of life. About 1 in 8 women suffer from…, Prioritize healthy lifestyle habits, : Exercising, eating nourishing foods and getting adequate sleep nightly play a critical role in mental health., Ask for help, : Lean on family and friends to provide help and support when you need a hand, physically and emotionally. Seeking help is a sign of strength – do not hesitate to talk with your primary care provider or a mental health professional if you think you might need help. “Mothers carry significant responsibilities, and prioritizing your needs can help you manage stress, maintain balance, and feel more…, said Danielle Wingo, Bureau Director of Maternal and Child Healt, h. “We want South Carolina’s mothers at every stage in their life to know how important it is to maintain your mental health and that there are resources out there to assist.” Mothers and expectant mothers can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to talk to a trained counselor who specializes in maternal…, Traxler said, . “We want our state’s mothers to live long, healthy lives, allowing them to experience and enjoy Mother's Days for years to come.” For more information on maternal health, visit DPH’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Health webpage . Additional information and resources related to maternal health are available on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health website . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 15, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Savannah Highway and Hutto Road in Nesses, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their healthcare providers. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The raccoon was…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.” 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, avoid touching it. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 16, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a fox found near Woodbury Drive and Woodlawn Road in Greenwood, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. The fox was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing June 12, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies June 15, 2026. ou…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.” 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, avoid touching it. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 16, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is observing National Men’s Health Week (June 15-21) by encouraging men across the state to get active, practice healthy habits and schedule a visit with their doctor for health screenings. Concluding on Father’s Day each year, Men’s Health Week aims to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, acting DPH director, . “Small steps, like getting regular checkups, staying active, and choosing nutritious foods, can make a big difference over time. This week offers an ideal moment to start fresh and build lasting routines that help you feel your best.” According to data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 14.2% of men in the U.S. are in fair or poor health, and only 28.3% of…, said Hallie Heffner, DPH’s Cancer Prevention Coordinator, . DPH recommends the following healthy choices during Men’s Health Month: Get moving! You should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you use tobacco, quit now! Quitting has immediate health benefits, as smoking is known to cause more than 12 different types of cancer. The sooner you quit, the sooner you can reduce…
- … department to get vaccinated. Vaccines are important to protect our kids from diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox and whooping cough. 2026-2027 School Year: Click here for 2026-2027 …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In advance of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners in observing National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 3-9 and May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month. South Carolina is most at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes from June through November. “…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “We encourage everyone in our state to update their plans and make the necessary preparations in advance of each hurricane season. South Carolina was spared major impacts during the 2025 hurricane season; however, we must always remain vigilant as a coastal state.” To prepare for a hurricane, DPH recommends all South Carolinians take the following steps: Stay informed : Know where you can go to…