SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health

Yesterday, IMPH convened the fourth meeting of the Foundations for Success Taskforce to discuss strategies to reduce exclusionary discipline among early learners in South Carolina’s early childhood special education system. Thank you to our presenters, panelists, and taskforce members for advancing this important work together.

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026. We will reopen Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We extend our gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

The SC Roadmap’s Joint Governance Council & Community Voice Advisory Board met this week to discuss strategies for addressing nonmedical factors that impact health across South Carolina. Housing was the focus of the meeting, with insights from partners including the Institute for Child Success, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, MORE Justice, Darlington County Habitat for Humanity & SC Housing. Thank you to the council and advisory board members for their leadership and commitment to healthier communities across SC.

Please join us in welcoming Marlon Vickerman, MBA, to the IMPH team! Marlon is serving as Project and Communications Coordinator and we are thrilled to have him as part of our team. Learn more about Marlon here: imph.org/team/marlon-vi…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In South Carolina, mental health is a public health priority. Mental health conditions are medical conditions, and people are more than a diagnosis. Let’s lead with understanding. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MoreGoodDaysTogether

Congratulations to IMPH Intern Yashu and Graduate Assistants Lucy and Natalie on completing their public health degrees at the @UofSC @USCArnoldSchool! We are grateful for their hard work, proud of their accomplishments, and excited to see the impact they will make in the future of public health.

IMPH team members recently attended a press conference where Governor @HenryMcMaster announced SC’s participation in the “A Home for Every Child” initiative. Joined by U.S. Assistant Secretary @ACF_Adams and state leaders, this marks a step forward in supporting children and families across SC.

The IMPH team recently gathered at the State House to film our upcoming commemorative video celebrating 15 years of informing health policy in South Carolina. Thank you to our two legislative board members Senator @sentomdavissc and Representative @chandradillard for sharing their insights on IMPH’s impact and value. We’re proud of the work accomplished and excited for what’s ahead.

Taryn Farrell, IMPH’s Research & Policy Manager, recently presented to students and faculty in @UofSC’s Health Care Law Systems program, highlighting the intersection of public health, policy, and our work. Grateful to engage the next generation of healthcare leaders.

@SenTomDavisSC Thank you for recognizing the IMPH team and helping us celebrate 15 years!

With my fellow South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health board members earlier today on the north steps of the State House. Moments earlier the South Carolina Senate presented IMPH with a resolution recognizing its efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.

Yesterday, the IMPH team was recognized at the State House by our two legislative board members, Senator @SenTomDavisSC and Representative @chandradillard. IMPH was presented a resolution to commemorate 15 years of service and our commitment to informing health policy here in South Carolina.

Recently The Duke Endowment announced that they are investing in expanding the HEAR for Mamas program operated by MUSC across the Carolinas. This program has been proven to be effective at improving maternal health and was highlighted in the ‘Successful Programs’ portion of our report, Improving Maternal and Infant Health: Increasing Access to Care in Rural South Carolina. Read more: dukeendowment.org/news/the-duke-…

South Carolina is investing nearly $8M in a mobile maternity clinic serving rural communities, a major step forward for maternal health. IMPH’s 2025 taskforce findings call for expanding access through mobile maternal and infant health services. We look forward to the impact. Read more here: southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2026-0…

Yesterday, IMPH convened the 3rd Foundations for Success Taskforce meeting. Experts shared insights on infant & early childhood mental health and its role in preventing and addressing the expulsion of young learners. Speakers also discussed how transitional services can strengthen support for children, families, and educators. Thank you to all who contributed.

Healthy communities are places where children can thrive without the threat of child abuse and neglect. #preventchildabuse

This week, the South Carolina House of Representatives gave third reading to House Bill 4270. This bill would allow certain eviction filings to be sealed on the Public Index after five years, provided the case was resolved through settlement or full payment of any debt and no additional filings have been made. Earlier this year, Health Policy Fellows Program alumna Representative @voteforcarla, the bill's primary sponsor, referenced discussions from the Fellows program that highlighted the importance of safe and healthy housing for South Carolinians.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month! This month, we celebrate leaders, like @ChildrensTrustS, who work to strengthen families and advance policy to prevent child abuse before it happens. #preventchildabuse

Congratulations to our Graduate Assistant, Natalie Hirsch, on her Master’s capstone poster presentation! Natalie has been an integral part of the work for our current taskforce, Foundations for Success. During her time with IMPH, Natalie analyzed Southeastern state policies to identify best practices for reducing suspensions and expulsions among young learners here in South Carolina. We are so proud of the rigor she brought to the Taskforce and can’t wait to see her continued impact on health policy!

Last week, Amy Weaver, Roadmap Policy Director, presented the SC Roadmap and the SC Food Insecurity Risk Map to the State Data Team at the Children's Trust of South Carolina. We appreciate the opportunity to share how data can support stronger decisions and healthier communities across South Carolina!