Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced that Josh Baker will continue serving as the director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Governor McMaster appointed Director Baker to his current position in November of 2017.

"Josh Baker has done an excellent job leading the largest, most complex agency in state government." said Gov. McMaster. "Many South Carolinians are unaware that SCDHHS alone accounts for almost one third of the entire state budget. Director Baker is aware, and that's why he's been such a responsible steward for every single taxpayer dollar, while demonstrating a genuine compassion for each and every recipient his agency serves."

During his tenure at SCDHHS, Director Baker has overseen a continued focus on modernizing South Carolina’s healthcare delivery systems and on the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative, which resulted in a nearly 8% drop in the infant mortality rate in 2017. In the first year since BabyNet transitioned to SCDHHS, the number of children served by the program has increased by 10.4%.

"I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve the citizens of South Carolina under Governor McMaster as head of the Department of Health and Human Services," said Director Baker. "Over the past year we have identified real opportunities to advance the well-being of our citizens from newborns to seniors, modernize our health systems and technology and drive value for taxpayer dollars. I’m excited by the opportunity to see these efforts through for Team South Carolina."