by Melissa McCoy

The South Carolina Department of Health (DPH) officially began operations on July 1, marking a major restructuring of the state's health and environmental oversight. Created by Act 60, DPH will assume health functions previously performed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment (DHEC).

“Our name may change, but our commitment to improving the lives of all South Carolinians is stronger than ever,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, the agency's interim director. “DPH will build on DHEC's legacy and continually innovate to achieve best practices that help improve our state's overall health rating to achieve our goal of becoming the healthiest state in our nation.”

With over 2,900 employees at 90 locations across the state, DPH takes a people-first approach, ensuring every South Carolina citizen has the access, resources and information they need to improve their health. The department is comprised of two core divisions: Health Promotion and Services and Health Quality. The Health Promotion and Services Division focuses on population health and well-being, while the Health Quality Division aims to improve patient safety and health quality across the state.

The creation of the DPH came after a unanimous vote of the South Carolina Legislature and approval by Governor Henry McMaster in May. This change separates the health and environmental functions of DHEC, which was created in 1973. Environmental responsibilities now fall under the jurisdiction of the newly created Department of Environmental Services (DES).

State Rep. Val Guest noted that the separation was necessary because of DHEC's growing size and complexity. “DHEC just kept growing and growing,” Guest said. “We realized there were discrepancies within the organization, and it made sense to split the environmental and health aspects into two separate agencies.”

The new DPH assumes DHEC's authority to enforce health regulations and manage health crises, including the care and isolation of persons with contagious diseases. Meanwhile, DES will manage programs related to air quality, coastal resource management, waste management, water resources and environmental health services.

Laura Renwick, DHEC spokesperson, noted that DES will also take on new responsibilities previously handled by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, such as the hydrology program and aquatic pest control.

Dr. Simmer, who currently leads DHEC, will become acting director of DPH. Myra Reece, DHEC's director of environmental affairs, will lead DES. Both agencies will begin operations on July 1, ensuring a smooth transition for the citizens of South Carolina.

“Thanks to our dedicated staff, from day one, the people we serve will experience no interruption to the services they depend on for their health and peace of mind,” Simmer assured. “Our staff have done everything humanly possible to prepare us for this transition and to ensure that absolutely no one – neither the people we serve nor our staff – falls through the cracks before, during and after this agency transition.”

The new Department of Health can be reached online at dph.sc.gov or by phone at (803) 898-3300.