Dr. Simmer faces backlash over South Carolina's COVID response during hearing
- Dr. Edward Simmer's confirmation hearing became a platform for expressing frustration over the COVID-19 measures taken in South Carolina.
- Audience members displayed their discontent with Simmer, leading to personal threats that affected his family's attendance.
- Despite the turmoil, Simmer remains committed to advancing public health goals in the state, focusing on issues like maternal health and chronic diseases.
In South Carolina, Dr. Edward Simmer's confirmation hearing to become the first director of the newly organized Public Health Department has sparked considerable backlash. Although he started his role in February 2021, the hearing focused heavily on the state's response to COVID-19, igniting frustrations over past lockdowns and vaccine mandates. Critics expressed concerns that Simmer seeks excessive power, despite lawmakers clarifying that his authority is limited to that of previous leaders. During the hearing, audience members displayed anti-Simmer stickers, and he faced personal threats, leading him to ask his wife to stay away for her safety. Despite these challenges, Simmer urged the importance of medical freedom and committed to improving public health in South Carolina. Gov. Henry McMaster supported Simmer, distinguishing him from infamous health figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Nevertheless, the hearing overshadowed his vision for addressing pressing health issues like infant mortality and chronic diseases, as South Carolina continues to rank low in overall health outcomes. Simmer unveiled plans for a mobile maternity care center aimed at serving impoverished counties, although these progressive initiatives were sidelined by ongoing COVID-related criticisms, reflecting lingering tensions regarding public health policies in the state.