The South Carolina Medical Affairs Committee meeting on May 1, 2025, spotlighted a pressing workforce crisis within the state's health services, as officials grappled with a staggering 33% annual turnover rate among employees. The discussion revealed that the state's population has surged from 4 million to 5.3 million, a 25% increase, yet staffing levels and budgets have not kept pace, leading to significant challenges in service delivery.

One official highlighted the critical situation, stating, "I have not had an increase in personnel and minimal increases in budget that entire time." This stagnation has placed immense pressure on the existing workforce, which is predominantly female (87%) and includes a significant number of African American employees (51%). Many of these workers come from single-parent households, underscoring the urgent need for better compensation and support.

Despite a previous salary increase from $22,000 to $33,000 four years ago, inflation has eroded this gain, effectively reducing salaries back to the original level when adjusted for cost of living. "We've lost $11,000 worth of our buying power," the official noted, emphasizing the struggle employees face in making ends meet, often requiring them to take on second jobs.

The committee was informed that the workforce is responsible for managing 444 different transactions, all governed by law, requiring expertise in various complex areas such as tax law, insurance, and cybersecurity. The high turnover not only disrupts service but also necessitates extensive training for new hires, which is often wasted as they leave for better opportunities.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing these workforce issues was clear. Without immediate action to improve compensation and working conditions, the state's ability to provide essential health services could be severely compromised, leaving both employees and the communities they serve in a precarious position.