The doctor who would be the first director of South Carolina’s newly organized health agency has a vision of reducing infant mortality, fighting childhood cancers and reducing drug overdoses
South Carolina's public health chief nominee, Dr. Simmer, faces criticism and resistance during his confirmation process due to the state's COVID-19 response, despite his plans to focus on issues like infant mortality, childhood cancers, and drug overdoses. Critics, including some Republican lawmakers, focus on past COVID policies, despite Dr. Simmer stating he never supported vaccine mandates and wouldn't recommend school closures or mask mandates now. Governor McMaster supports Simmer, who aims to improve South Carolina's historically low health rankings and is implementing initiatives like a mobile maternity care center.
