Who We Are
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) was created by the state Legislature with the DHEC Restructuring Act of 2023 (Act 60). It is the health component of the agency formerly known as DHEC. The agency officially launched on July 1, 2024.
Our name may change, but our commitment to protecting, promoting and improving the health and well-being 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 with the goal of becoming the healthiest state in our nation.
With more than 2,900 employees working in approximately 90 locations across the state, DPH instills a people-first approach to all that we do. This includes working with our partners, communities, and others to help every South Carolinian have the access, resources, and information they need to make decisions that enhance their health and have access to the highest quality, safe health care.
This work is implemented by our talented and dedicated team of employees who serve within DPH’s two core divisions:
Health Promotion and Services promotes community health and well-being by protecting people from disease, illness and injury, as well as providing access to quality care.
Healthcare Quality enhances patient safety and the quality of care by leading efforts to make health care in South Carolina safer, more accessible, affordable, equitable and of higher quality.
In addition, Administration provides our divisions and teams with the necessary support to ensure the successful accomplishment of our mission and vision.
Our Vision
Healthy people living in healthy communities
Our Mission
To protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.
Our Core Values
Embracing Service: We embrace our responsibility to reliably serve our communities, customers, and each other in a respectful manner, relying upon clear and uncompromised commitments to integrity, trust, dependability, and responsiveness.
Inspiring Innovation: We encourage and empower our teams to find creative, science- and data-driven solutions to promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.
Promoting Teamwork: We cultivate inclusive and collaborative teams that value the diverse thoughts, experiences, and expertise of every team member, our stakeholders, and our communities.
Pursuing Excellence: We are steadfast in our commitment to the highest achievable standards of quality and professionalism.
Advancing Equity: We are committed to giving all South Carolinians the opportunity to attain optimal health outcomes by fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and inclusion for everyone.
What We Do
If you've received a birth certificate in South Carolina, visited a state health department, or placed a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility — DPH has touched your life.
Just a few of DPH's services include providing vital health care services, coordinating disease control, supporting healthy nutrition, responding to natural disasters, providing research and statistics on the state's health, and much more.