DHEC Board Gives Support to Catherine Templeton

The board of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued a resolution of support to agency director Catherine Templeton.

In the wake of the TB outbreak in Greenwood County, Templeton has been embattled, firing several employees in recent weeks. She underwent several hours of questioning last week by the Senate Medical Affairs Committee.

The board's statement of support is as follows:

“Be it resolved that the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control unanimously supports and commends Director Catherine Templeton for her transparent and professional handling of the agency response to the tuberculosis outbreak in Ninety Six, South Carolina.

“Moreover, the Board endorses director Templeton’s insistence and focus on agency reform, accountability and efficiencies directed at improving service to the citizens of South Carolina and, most importantly, carrying out the agency’s mission to promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.”

Upon hearing of the board's actions, Templeton said, “I continue to be encouraged by the Board's confidence in our dedicated group of professionals. Their support enables us to do what is right to protect public health and the environment, without the influence of politics or emotion.”