Hurricane Helene: Public Health Department Closures

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.

Smoking and COVID-19

Smoking tobacco may increase the risk of serious complications from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Now is a good time to quit for keeps. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or enroll online for free help.


South Carolina state law requires all public school districts to adopt, implement, and enforce a written tobacco-free schools policy that includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.  All state requirements regarding youth and commercial tobacco products can be found here:

Tobacco-free schools are a proven way to prevent youth tobacco use.  Protecting youth, school staff, and visitors from exposure to secondhand smoke and vaping aerosol creates healthy environments for everyone.  Keys to a successful and effective tobacco-free school policy include clear communication, periodic policy review and updates, and non-punitive enforcement. The Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control provides a number of resources to help school districts implement a comprehensive tobacco-free policy that is compliant with state requirements.  These resources can be used to:

  • Review and strengthen current tobacco-free school policy
  • Implement and enforce a tobacco-free school policy
  • Communicate tobacco-free school policy to staff, students, and the public
  • Promote free quit support for youth and adults
  • Incorporate evidence-based youth tobacco prevention education in the classroom
  • Utilize alternatives to suspension for students violating the tobacco-free school policy

Resources for Schools

Implement and maintain tobacco-free school policy

Strengthen current policy

Communication Tools

Tobacco Prevention Toolkits, Curricula, Alternatives to Suspension, and Other Classroom Tools/Activities

Quit Support for Youth and Adults 

Youth (13-17yrs old)

Adults (18yrs and up)

**Message and data rates may apply/Se pueden aplicar tarifas por mensajes y datos

Fact Sheets and More Information

Tags
Addiction
Colleges & Universities
Pre-teens
Quit Smoking
S.C. Tobacco Quitline
Smoking
Teens
Tobacco
Statewide