FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 7, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The week of April 7-13 marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating the state’s progress in the field of public health while highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.
Each April, National Public Health Week is observed to recognize public health contributions and address key health issues. The theme for this year’s observance is “It Starts Here,” emphasizing the idea that public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities.
Public health protects and improves the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved through partnerships and joint efforts by public and private organizations, communities and individuals. Each contribution is vitally important and helps create a ripple effect that can make South Carolina a healthier place to live.
“Public health is about creating the opportunity for everyone in our state to live their healthiest life,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director. “At DPH, we have made a concerted effort to hear from our state’s residents and ensure our programs reflect their thoughts, ideas and needs. This includes increasing our outreach and engagement efforts to community- and faith-based organizations, local governments, and other stakeholders across the state. Thanks to the work of our talented and dedicated staff, partners and communities, we have made great progress in turning the needle on health outcomes in South Carolina.”
In the United Health Foundation’s 2024 Health Rankings Annual Report, South Carolina ranked #37, achieving its highest statewide health ranking since the report was first launched in 1990. South Carolina has steadily improved in the statewide health ranking since 2017, when the state was ranked #44.
“While our advancement in the nation’s public health rankings shows South Carolina’s health is trending in the right direction, we recognize that more work remains,” Simmer said. “DPH is committed to continuing to work with our partners to improve the state of health in South Carolina. Together, we can make South Carolina the healthiest state in the nation.”
DPH continues to look to the future of public health in the state, including:
“DPH’s work touches the lives of all South Carolinians,” Simmer said. “We could not accomplish all that we do without the dedication and service of our employees. Public Health Week gives our agency the opportunity to reflect on the positive steps we’ve taken to improve the health of so many South Carolinians while looking ahead at what we want to accomplish moving forward.”
If you are interested in joining DPH’s team of professionals who are a passion for making a difference in the health of our state, visit dph.sc.gov/careers.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 12, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians to take extra precautions to help prevent skin cancer while enjoying the outdoors this summer and beyond.
Every time you go outside your skin is exposed to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. This exposure increases your risk of getting skin cancer. Skin cancer can affect people at any age, and one in five people in the United States develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 10, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend more time enjoying private or public pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents about the importance of practicing water and swimming safety.
Each year, more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur in the United States. In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, 79 South Carolinians died because of unintentional drowning.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 9, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is observing National Men’s Health Week (June 9-15). The agency is encouraging men to take action to prevent health problems, including getting early health screenings that detect preventable diseases. Concluding on Father’s Day each year, Men’s Health Week is part of International Men’s Health Month.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 5, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Central Cancer Registry (SCCCR), part of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), recently earned Gold Standard certification from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). This is the highest certification standard awarded by NAACCR.