New S.C. Department of Public Health to launch July 1
New S.C. Department of Public Health to launch July 1
Photo: DHEC
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A week from today, the new South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will officially begin serving people in South Carolina.
The new agency was formed by Act 60, and will be the health component of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
DHEC says DPH’s mission is to protect, promote and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.
“Our name may change, but our commitment to serving and improving the lives of everyone in South Carolina is stronger than ever. DPH will build on DHEC’s legacy, continuously innovating to achieve best practices that help improve our state’s overall health rankings to achieve our goal of becoming the healthiest state in our nation,” states Dr. Edward Simmer, interim agency director.
DPH consists of two core divisions which are Health Promotion and Services and Healthcare Quality.
The Health Promotion and Services division promotes community health and well-being by protecting people from disease, illness and injury as well as providing access to quality care.
DHEC says it includes all public health departments and programs in South Carolina including community engagement and health collaboration.
The Healthcare Quality division enhances patient safety and the quality of care by leading efforts to make health care in South Carolina safer, more accessible, equitable and of higher quality.
The division includes community care and provider services, drug control and medical and emergency support.
“On Day One, those we serve will not see any disruptions to the services that they depend on for good health and peace of mind thanks to our dedicated staff,” Simmer says.
On July 1, the new agency can be found online at dph.sc.gov, and the main phone number will be 803-898-3300.
