2025 South Carolina State of Reform Health Policy Conference

We’re starting off the day by hearing from South Carolina Department of Public Health Interim Director Dr. Edward Simmer. Join us to hear Dr. Simmer discuss the outlook for public health in South Carolina, including the work his department is doing to strengthen public health infrastructure and future work to strengthen the public health system.

Edward Simmer, MD: Interim Director, South Carolina Department of Public Health

Addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs) is an important step to improve access to care. This session will focus on innovative programs and collaborations that may benefit South Carolina. Experts will delve into the impact of education, income, and poverty on healthcare access, exploring how these social factors create barriers to care for many South Carolinians. This panel will explore these ongoing efforts, with a particular focus on the state’s South Carolina Roadmap, a collaborative effort to tackle HRSNs across the state. 

Karla Buru: Deputy Director of Health Strategy & External Affairs & Chief of Staff, South Carolina Department of Public Health

Erin Haire: Associate Director, South Carolina Institute of Medicine & Public Health

Taylor Mason: Director of Government Affairs, Unite Us

Monty Robertson: Executive Director, Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina

Doug Taylor: Social Determinants of Health Initiative Director, Center for Community Health Alignment, University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health

In this panel, experts will explore how new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and innovations are reshaping South Carolina’s health sector, focusing on strategies for adapting to these emerging technologies. Panelists will discuss best practices for mitigating the risks associated with AI integration, implementation and policy around health, and how to secure the sharing of health data across institutions. 

Jimmy McElligott, MD: Executive Medical Director, MUSC Center for Telehealth

Jeremy VanderKnyff: Chief Product Officer, Proactive MD

Moderator: Brandon Greife: Principal, Health Management Associates

South Carolina faces significant maternal health challenges, with a higher-than-average maternal mortality rate and disparities in maternal care, especially among rural and underserved populations. In response, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and advocates are working together to implement innovative solutions that aim to improve maternal health outcomes across the state. This panel will explore the ongoing efforts to enhance access to quality maternal care, address racial and socioeconomic disparities, and develop a more supportive environment for expecting mothers. 

Constance Guille, MD: Assistant Professor, Medical University of South Carolina

Brie Hunt: Senior Director, Policy Initiatives, South Carolina Institute of Medicine & Public Health

Naida Rutherford: Coroner, Richland County

Lamikka Samuels: Senior Director, South Carolina Office of Rural Health

Moderator: Beth De Santis: Maternal & Child Health Specialist, Consultant

This panel will bring together experts in healthcare, public health, and community engagement to discuss effective strategies for improving population health and managing chronic diseases in South Carolina. Panelists will explore innovative approaches to chronic disease prevention, early detection, and management, focusing on enhancing access to care, promoting healthier lifestyles, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. 

Megan Weis, DrPH: Director of Connecting Communities, Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare, University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Moderator: Rebecca Mendoza, MA: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

South Carolina is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, compounded by an increasing demand for services and a shortage of hospital beds across the state. The growing need for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, has placed immense pressure on the system, affecting patient care and workforce sustainability. This panel will bring together experts to discuss strategies for addressing the state’s healthcare workforce challenges, including the ongoing efforts to expand full practice authority for nurses and the broader efforts to grow and retain healthcare professionals. 

Tesheika Curtis-Pugh: Executive Director, South Carolina Nurses Association

Terri Jowers: Executive Director, South Carolina Community Health Worker Association

Moderator: Jennifer Hodgson: Principal, Health Management Associates

South Carolina, like many states across the nation, continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the opioid crisis. Panelists will discuss effective strategies for opioid use prevention, including public awareness campaigns, prescription drug monitoring programs, and training for healthcare providers to identify and manage at-risk patients. The conversation will also focus on improving access to addiction treatment services, expanding harm reduction programs, and enhancing support systems for individuals in recovery. 

Chanda Funcell, PhD: Director, Charleston Center

Melanie Hendricks: Director of Behavioral Health, South Carolina Department of Health & Human Services

Jodi Manz, MSW: Executive Director, South Carolina Center of Excellence in Addiction

As federal health policies continue to evolve, South Carolina faces a complex and uncertain future in its healthcare system. This panel will explore the potential effects of recent and upcoming federal-level health policy changes on the state’s healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes. Speakers will analyze the impact of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, a federal effort aimed at reshaping the nation’s healthcare priorities. 

Dave Anderson: Assistant Professor, Health Services Policy & Management – Arnold School of Public Health

Carter Kimble, MPH: Principal, Health Management Associates

Moderator: Tommaso DiGiovanni: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

Hear from some of the most influential leaders on health policy reform in the South Carolina Legislature. These lawmakers will discuss the main takeaways from this year’s session, legislation they’re supporting, and the healthcare reform work they’re prioritizing moving forward.

Rep. Terry Alexander: Member, South Carolina House of Representatives

Rep. Sylleste Davis: Chairman, Medical, Military, Public & Municipal Affairs Committee, South Carolina House of Representatives

Sen. Brad Hutto: Minority Leader, South Carolina Senate

Moderator: John Eller: Managing Principal, Health Management Associates