Heart disease is South Carolina’s leading cause of death. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can affect people of all ages and may be an early warning sign of an underlying heart condition. During World Heart Rhythm Week, we’re raising awareness about the importance of knowing the signs, monitoring your heart health, and seeking care when something doesn’t feel right.

"I've lost hours. I've lost jobs. I've lost a lot of time because every time they called, I had to leave work and go get my child." — Kirsten, a Simpsonville, SC mother whose son was expelled from two early childhood education programs by age 4. Stories like this show how exclusionary discipline affects not only children, but entire families. When young children are removed from learning environments, they miss important opportunities to develop social skills, build relationships, and prepare for future success. Learn more about the Foundations for Success Taskforce and its work to reduce early childhood suspensions and expulsions at IMPH.org

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!

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.

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.

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-vickerm…

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.

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-d…

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…

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