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South Carolina Institute of Medicine, NC Announce Joint Pandemic Preparedness Task Force

The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) and the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) announced today the creation of the Carolinas Pandemic Preparedness Task Force. The task force will be chaired by University of South Carolina Interim President Dr. Harris Pastides and North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders.  

Over the past year, IMPH and NCIOM have worked jointly to develop this initiative, which will provide North and South Carolina with recommendations for a resilient response to future disease outbreaks. Task force members, led by steering committee representatives from both states, will work and learn collaboratively to develop evidence-based recommendations to support future state and local planning efforts.

The task force will examine lessons learned during the current pandemic in areas related to health, education and economic and social stability with a guiding focus on equity and responding to the needs of historically marginalized and vulnerable populations.

With funding and support from The Duke Endowment, the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, the BlueCross® BlueShield® of South Carolina Foundation (an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association), and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, steering committee meetings are underway. Full task force meetings will take place from July 2021 to April 2022, followed by the publication of a final report from each state in June 2022.

About IMPH

The South Carolina Institute of Medicine & Public Health (IMPH) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to collectively inform policy to improve health and health care in South Carolina. In conducting its work, IMPH takes a comprehensive approach to advancing health issues through data analysis and translation and collaborative engagement. IMPH seeks to achieve its mission by convening a diverse group of stakeholders around health issues important to South Carolina. Learn more at imph.org

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.