SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health

An independent entity serving as a nonpartisan convener and provider of evidence-based information to inform health policy decisions.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

Last week, members of the IMPH team gathered in Columbia to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) @scruralhealth.

With approximately 32% of South Carolinians living in rural communities, SCORH’s work to expand healthcare access and strengthen community health remains vital. Here's to 35 years of impact and healthier communities across the Palmetto State!

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

Yesterday, IMPH hosted its quarterly Board of Directors meeting, along with a strategic planning retreat, in Columbia. Patrick Jinks of The Leader's Perspective led engaging discussions focused on organizational priorities and IMPH’s long-term vision. Thank you to our Board, team, and Dr. Jinks for your collaboration and commitment as we continue informing policy across South Carolina.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

May is #OlderAmericansMonth, a time to honor the contributions of older adults in our communities.

In South Carolina, IMPH continues working to advance policies that support healthy, active aging. In 2022, IMPH convened the Social Isolation in Older Adults Taskforce to address the impact of social isolation across our state.

Read the report to learn more.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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: https://t.co/PkpRRjxfM5

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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: https://t.co/QsvzVOKuXK

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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: https://t.co/NOOM0vUxLi

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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

[SC Institute of Medicine & Public Health @SC_IMPH]

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.