South Carolina Cancer Plan 2017 - 2021
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in our state, accounting for approximately 1 in every 4 deaths. This disease touches us all whether as a cancer survivor, caregiver, family member, or friend.
Birth Control for Women
Updated: Dec. 4, 2025
Birth Control Methods Listed Most Effective to Least Effective
Abstinence
- Abstinence from all sex protects you and your partner from pregnancy and STDs/STIs/HIV.
- People can choose abstinence at any time and at any age.
- Perfect Use: Abstinence is 100% effective.
Hormone methods give constant protection from pregnancy. Visit a Family Planning Clinic for the following methods.
Birth Control for Men
Updated: Dec. 4, 2025
Scott Jaillette, Director of Legislative Affairs
Scott Jaillette serves as the director of Legislative Affairs for the South Carolina Department of Public Health. In this role, Jaillette represents the agency and its more than 2,950 staff on matters before the General Assembly.
Karla Buru, Deputy Director of Health Strategy and External Affairs & Chief of Staff
Karla Buru, DrPH, MPH, MSW, serves as Deputy Director of Health Strategy and External Affairs & Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). In this role she assists the agency's director in the development and implementation of special projects, strategies, budgeting and agency initiatives on a day-to-day basis.
Gwendolyn Thompson, Deputy Director of Healthcare Quality
Gwendolyn (Gwen) Thompson serves as deputy director of Healthcare Quality for the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). Healthcare Quality's primary purpose is to work together with health care facilities and services to protect the public's health by assuring that safe, quality care is provided.
Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim Agency Director
Dr. Edward Simmer is the interim director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, a position he has held since the agency was created on July 1, 2024. Before that he was the director of the former South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control from 2021 to 2024.
EPI Notes
Useful Information
Disparities in Health Outcomes Data
Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases, in general, are conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit the daily living activities of someone with the disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.