Governor Henry McMaster has signed a bill establishing the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) in South Carolina. This move marks the largest restructuring of state government in over three decades. The new department consolidates the former Department of Mental Health, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services into a single agency accountable to the governor.
Governor McMaster stated, “This reform represents the single most important step we’ve taken in over 30 years to bring direct accountability and leadership to the delivery of critical health and human services.” He emphasized that South Carolinians will now have a streamlined process for accessing mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorder services.
Senator Harvey Peeler commented on the significance of this legislation: “This is a big day for South Carolina. It is an important piece of legislation that will make our citizens happier and healthier.” The BHDD will be led by a director appointed by the governor with Senate approval, overseeing offices dedicated to intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance use services.
The reform initiative began in 2023 after an independent review highlighted inefficiencies within South Carolina’s behavioral health system. Senator Thomas Alexander remarked, “We’ve had a siloed system here in South Carolina. This gives us the foundation to make sure that the needs of individuals who are reaching out for help will get the help they need.”
The bill builds on previous reforms initiated by Governor McMaster, including restructuring the Department of Health and Environmental Control into two separate agencies. Senator Tom Davis noted that this restructuring effort completes what Governor Carroll Campbell started in 1993.
Representative Sylleste Davis added, “This bill signing is more than just structural change. It is a promise to families who spent years searching for help.” The BHDD is located at South Carolina’s health campus in Cayce alongside the Department of Public Health.
