South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control will likely close some of its rural health clinics due to the state's budget woes.
According to reports from The State of Columbia, S.C., the DHEC commissioner told the agency's board last week that it would also offer early retirement to its employees.
Commissioner Earl Hunter said DHEC has to cut nearly $26 million from its budget.
Hunter acknowledged that it is likely some of DHEC's 95 health clinics will close, meaning rural South Carolina residents will have to drive farther for access to routine medical care.
However, Hunter said layoffs would occur only if sufficient numbers of DHEC employees do not accept the state's offer of early retirement.