South Carolina Department of Public Health

South Carolina Department of Public Health dph.sc.gov

In conjunction with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Cancer Alliance and the South C...
09/01/2026

In conjunction with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Cancer Alliance and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the South Carolina Children’s Hospital Collaborative, have released the state’s inaugural pediatric cancer plan, a key component of the state’s broader cancer plan.

The South Carolina Pediatric Cancer Plan will serve as the pediatrics section of the 2027-2031 South Carolina State Cancer Plan, marking the first time that statewide plan will feature a section dedicated to pediatric cancer. The 2027-2031 State Comprehensive Cancer Plan will be released in full in February.

The mission of the pediatric plan is to improve childhood cancer survival, optimize clinical outcomes, strengthen quality of life and well-being for patients and families, and broaden access to high-quality care for all patients.

For more information: https://dph.sc.gov/news/south-carolina-childhood-cancer-taskforce-produces-first-pediatric-cancer-plan

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month.
This is your reminder that “I’ll do it later” is not a plan.
-Build or refresh that emergency kit (yes, check the snacks)
-Make a plan everyone actually understands
Check out https://www.scemd.org/ for easy guides and helpful planning tools.

Every year on August 31, people around the globe recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day is used...
08/31/2026

Every year on August 31, people around the globe recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day is used to honor the lives that have been lost to overdose as well as educate people about evidence-based overdose prevention strategies. Goals of IOAD are to:

· Honor the lives of loved ones who have died from overdose.
· Show support to people who use drugs and those in recovery, while raising awareness of the risks of drug overdoses in our community (that they are valued).
· Making sure that those in recovery or battling drug risk feel valued
· Sharing information on available prevention, treatments and recovery support services.
· Promote evidence-based practices and strategies to prevent and reduce drug-related harms.

In 2024, South Carolina observed a 31% decrease in overdose deaths from the year prior, but even one death is too many. It is important to know the signs of an overdose and carry naloxone. Free overdose safety kits are available at DPH health departments across the state: dph.sc.gov/naloxone-distribution. Treatment resources are available at: justplainkillers.com/find-help/.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabi...
08/31/2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) are observing International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 by remembering the lives lost to overdoses and emphasizing the importance of community efforts to address the opioid overdose epidemic.

Each year, DPH’s Drug Overdose Deaths Report provides data and information about the fatal drug overdose deaths that occur in the state. In 2024, the most recent year for which complete data is available, there were 1,481 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina, a 31.3% decrease from the 2,157 drug overdose deaths in 2023.

Between 2023 and 2024, most of South Carolina’s 46 counties experienced a decline in overdose deaths, reflecting progress across much of the state.

Read more about the observance here: https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-bhdd-recognize-international-overdose-awareness-day-call-action-prevent-overdoses

Making an emergency kit is essential in preparing for storms. Before a crisis arises, make sure you have adequate suppli...
08/30/2026

Making an emergency kit is essential in preparing for storms. Before a crisis arises, make sure you have adequate supplies of not only food and water but also medicines and medical supplies. Preparation today keeps your family safe tomorrow.

Learn more safety tips in the South Carolina Hurricane Guide from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division: https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/

08/29/2026

Make a plan before the celebration starts. 🍻➡️🚕 That sober ride home will cost you a lot less than a DUI. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Think va**ng is safe? Think again. When you v**e, you inhale toxic aerosol and heavy metals like lead, nickel, and chrom...
08/28/2026

Think va**ng is safe? Think again. When you v**e, you inhale toxic aerosol and heavy metals like lead, nickel, and chromium deep into your lungs where they can cause life-long damage and disease. Get the facts about va**ng and find free quit support options at: dph.sc.gov/tobacco

08/27/2026

Spending time outdoors is a great way to enjoy summer, but too much sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, staying hydrated and wearing protective clothing when possible. A little safety goes a long way toward a healthier summer! Read more about sun safety from the American Cancer Society: https://tinyurl.com/7erbjpwf.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two outbreaks of West Nile virus (one in the Midlands...
08/27/2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two outbreaks of West Nile virus (one in the Midlands and one in the Lowcountry) and is encouraging residents to take personal protective measures against mosquitoes.

Four human cases of West Nile virus in the Midlands and two human cases of West Nile virus in the Lowcountry were diagnosed within a similar time frame and geographic radius, indicating sustained West Nile virus activity in each area and meeting the definition of an outbreak.

West Nile virus cannot be passed from person to person. The only way to get the virus is from the bite of an infected mosquito.

For more information: https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-announces-west-nile-virus-outbreaks-midlands-lowcountry

08/25/2026

During severe weather, check in on your loved ones. A simple text or call can be more impactful than you think.

To learn more about preparing for emergencies., visit scemd.org

Address

400 Otarre Parkway
Cayce, SC
29033

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18554723432

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