South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

Mission & Vision

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) exists to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of all South Carolinians. Its vision is a state where every community enjoys clean air, safe water, healthy environments, and access to quality health services.

A Brief History

DHEC was created in 1977 by merging the states health and environmental agencies into a single entity, reflecting a growing understanding that health and the environment are tightly interwoven. Over the past four decades the agency has expanded its capabilities, adding divisions for epidemiology, laboratory services, and climate resilience, while maintaining a strong focus on food safety, infectious disease control, and pollution prevention.

Organizational Structure

DHEC is led by the Commissioner, appointed by the Governor, and consists of three primary divisions:

• Division of Public Health disease surveillance, health promotion, and community health services.
• Division of Environmental Services air, water, waste, and hazardous materials oversight.
• Division of Emergency Management preparedness, response, and recovery for natural and manmade emergencies.

Core Functions

DHECs work can be grouped into four core areas:

1. Disease Prevention & Control

Monitoring infectious diseases, coordinating immunization programs, investigating outbreaks, and providing guidance on chronic disease prevention.

2. Environmental Quality Assurance

Regulating air emissions, monitoring drinking water, managing hazardous waste sites, and ensuring safe recreational waters.

3. Health Promotion & Education

Delivering communitybased programs on nutrition, tobacco cessation, mental health, and injury prevention.

4. Emergency Preparedness & Response

Maintaining the states emergency operations center, issuing alerts, and collaborating with local agencies during hurricanes, floods, or publichealth crises.

Public Health Programs

• Immunization Registry (VAMS) a secure online system tracking vaccination status for children and adults.
• South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Program offers screening, education, and support services.
• Maternal & Child Health Services prenatal care assistance, home visiting, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) support.
• Community Health Worker Initiative trains local volunteers to connect residents with health resources.
• Opioid & Substance Abuse Task Force coordinates treatment referrals, naloxone distribution, and publicawareness campaigns.

Environmental Protection

DHEC enforces South Carolinas environmental statutes through inspection, permitting, and compliance assistance. Key programs include:

• Air Quality Monitoring operates a network of stations that measure pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide.
• Safe Drinking Water Program tests public water systems, issues boilwater alerts, and assists utilities in meeting EPA standards.
• Coastal Management partners with the Coastal Resources Commission to protect wetlands, monitor beach water quality, and manage erosion.
• Hazardous Waste Management oversees landfills, permits hazardous waste treatment facilities, and conducts site cleanup under the Superfund program.

Emergency & Disaster Response

South Carolinas geography makes it prone to hurricanes, floods, and severe storms. DHECs emergency division works with the state emergency management agency to:

• Issue public health advisories (e.g., shelterinplace, waterborne disease warnings).
• Deploy mobile testing units for water quality and disease surveillance.
• Coordinate mass vaccination or prophylaxis campaigns during outbreaks.
• Provide mentalhealth first aid and community resilience training.

How Residents Can Engage

South Carolinians can get involved in several ways:

• Report Concerns use the online complaint form for foodsafety issues, pollution, or unsafe conditions.
• Volunteer join the Community Health Worker program or assist with local health fairs.
• Stay Informed subscribe to the DHEC news alerts and follow their social media channels for realtime updates.
• Participate in Public Hearings attend meetings on permit applications, waterquality plans, and emergencypreparedness strategies.

Key Resources & Links

• Official DHEC Website
• Public Health Services
• Environmental Services
• Emergency Management
• Contact Information
• Forms & Applications