Latest updates: Hurricane Helene
Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.
Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.
Monday, Sep 16, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 16, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Following the release of data on obesity in the United States, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding the public of the threat obesity poses to good health and reaffirming its commitment to helping South Carolinians live healthier lives.
While adult obesity rates have remained stable over the past five years, as noted in the newly released State of Obesity Report, South Carolina continues to be one of 23 states with an overall adult obesity rate at or above 35%.
As of 2023, 36% of South Carolina adults are obese, and equally alarming is the disparity in the African American and Native American populations with obesity rates of 45.6% and 42.3%, respectively. Additionally, 39% of South Carolina public school students are overweight or obese.
“DPH takes the findings of this report seriously, as obesity is associated with many negative health outcomes, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH deputy director of Health Promotion and Services and chief medical officer. "Our state has excellent programs to address adult and childhood obesity, and this report provides insight into areas where we can strive to make improvements to better meet the needs of our residents."
Obesity prevention should begin in childhood. DPH and the South Department of Education continue to collaborate on initiatives such as SC FitnessGram, a statewide movement to evaluate and improve the health-related fitness among public school students in South Carolina. Participating schools annually collect fitness data of students in second, fifth, and eighth grades, and high school. The findings are used to develop programs and policies to improve student health across the state. Reducing childhood obesity is also a national security issue, as obesity is one of the primary reasons less than 50% of young adults are qualified for military service.
DPH is also focused on promoting healthy lifestyles through nutrition education and partnerships with state and local organizations to improve opportunities for all people in South Carolina to consume nutritious, affordable food and to be physically active in safe and accessible places.
DPH co-leads a multi-sector collaborative effort, Healthy Palmetto, to bring together over 40 state-level organizations that work on healthy eating and active living. Over the past two years, six priority strategies for healthy eating and active living were advanced. (2023 Annual Report) The collaborative is currently developing the Healthy Palmetto Action Plan for 2025-2029.
Additionally, DPH:
“Although DPH has made nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention a priority, South Carolina has more work to do,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director. “DPH will continue our efforts to help South Carolinians live healthier lives, and we encourage residents to practice healthy habits that will improve their overall health and well-being.”
DPH recommends the following tips to help South Carolinians maintain a healthy weight:
For more information on DPH’s nutrition, physical activity, & obesity prevention efforts, visit the DPH website. To learn more about Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) State of Obesity Report, visit the TFAH website.
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Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 2, 2024
Monday, Sep 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 30, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Cedar Lane Road and Tyezack Drive in Westminster, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
Updated Sept. 29, 2024: The Care Line will be open for calls 24 hours a day until further notice.
Hours extended to help answer individuals’ questions about DPH services related to Hurricane Helene
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 27, 2024
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 27, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of the steps they can take to protect people and pets against one of the world’s most fatal diseases.