In a major change for the public health sector in South Carolina, a new agency will take over services on July 1, replacing the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). This restructuring was brought about by a bill signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster last year, which aimed to streamline state agencies.
The new agency that will oversee public health services will be joined by another agency that focuses on environmental services. Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the Department of Public Health, assures that essential services such as obtaining birth certificates and requesting immunization records will remain largely unchanged. The office’s phone number will remain the same, and visitors to DHEC’s website will be redirected to the new Department of Public Health page.
This restructuring provides an opportunity for health officials to improve how they serve the people of South Carolina, with a focus on enhancing outreach and engagement efforts. Dr. Simmer emphasizes the importance of improving the state’s overall health ranking, currently 45th out of 50 states. Although this change is significant, those who use health services in South Carolina can expect to receive the same level of care and service from familiar faces. Future reorganization efforts may be on the horizon, as a bill to merge six state agencies into one was narrowly missed earlier this year, with plans to revisit the proposal in upcoming legislative sessions.