In Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Edward Simmer is stepping into the role of the inaugural leader of the state’s newly established health department with ambitious goals. He aims to tackle public health issues such as reducing infant mortality, combating childhood cancer, and cutting down on drug overdoses. However, his confirmation process is being overshadowed by lingering tensions regarding the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. These controversies persist despite the fact that Simmer only began working in the state in February 2021.
During a state Senate hearing, some individuals in attendance wore stickers with Simmer’s face marked out. Simmer, aware of the animosity he might face, advised his wife to remain home for her safety after being met with hostility in the hallway on his way to the meeting. Critics, including certain Republican legislators, have mocked him for wearing two masks, which he did to protect his wife who has serious health conditions that make her vulnerable to COVID-19. He stressed on Thursday—when he appeared maskless—that he would wear one again if it meant safeguarding his loved ones.
Opponents argue that Simmer aims to assert excessive control as a health authority, although he has not been granted any more authority than was previously allocated to leaders in the century-old public health system when it was divided from the environmental agency. Despite the debate, Simmer has received strong support from South Carolina’s Republican Governor, Henry McMaster, who praised Simmer for his performance since his appointment to a combined health and environmental role in 2021. The Senate has subsequently approved Simmer with a 40-1 vote.
Governor McMaster also appeared to distance himself from federal COVID directives and Dr. Anthony Fauci by assuring the public that Simmer is not akin to Fauci, acknowledging widespread public discontent with Fauci’s guidance.
Simmer, for his part, has clarified that he did not advocate for mandatory COVID vaccinations and would not suggest school closures or mandatory masks based on the knowledge he possesses now. “These untruths are harmful,” Simmer said, “They undermine faith in our health workers and mislead people about health risks.”
Simmer’s detailed opening statement, spanning 14 pages, was followed by limited questioning from skeptical senators during the Medical Affairs Committee hearing. A subsequent session is planned to provide senators the opportunity to ask their questions.
Republican Sen. Matt Leber of Johns Island commented that Simmer’s assertive opening remarks were unfortunate. Simmer expressed regret that the focus on COVID has distracted from significant advancements in public health in South Carolina—a state that historically struggled near the bottom of health rankings but has made notable improvements.
Simmer has bold plans to address the state’s dire infant and maternal mortality rates. He envisions deploying a mobile maternity unit by 2026 to serve South Carolina’s most impoverished counties, where many residents need to travel over 50 miles to access obstetric care. Additionally, he is tackling preventable health conditions such as stroke and chronic diseases like diabetes. Within close proximity to the state capitol, there exists a ZIP code with diabetes-related amputation rates among the highest in the nation.
“I am the public health director who stands for medical choice, is against COVID-style shutdowns, prioritizes the welfare of his team, and commits to enhancing the wellbeing of every person and community in South Carolina,” Simmer emphasized as he laid out his vision for the future.