The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is commemorating National Public Health Week by reflecting on the significant strides and ongoing efforts in advancing public health within the state. Celebrated each April, National Public Health Week highlights pivotal public health contributions and tackles critical issues with the theme “It Starts Here,” emphasizing each individual’s role in fostering community health. Under the direction of Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH has dedicated itself to enhancing the health of South Carolinians through strategic collaboration with sectors including public and private partners, local governments, and community and faith-based organizations.
Substantial Progress and Rankings
The commitment to public health in South Carolina is evident in the United Health Foundation’s rankings, which have shown a considerable improvement from 2017 to 2024. The state has ascended from the #44 position to the #37 spot, the highest since these rankings commenced in 1990. This upward trajectory indicates meaningful improvements in various health indicators, reflecting the dedicated efforts of DPH and its partners. Despite these advancements, the department recognizes the need for continued efforts to further enhance health outcomes across the state.
Dr. Simmer acknowledges that the remarkable progress would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the DPH employees and partners. Their collective endeavors have been instrumental in propelling South Carolina forward in its public health objectives. The improved rankings serve as a testament to what can be achieved through concerted effort and collaboration across different sectors of society. However, the journey towards optimal health for all South Carolinians is ongoing, and the focus must remain on sustaining and building upon the progress made.
Innovative Initiatives and Future Goals
To maintain and accelerate this positive momentum, DPH is set to introduce several forward-looking initiatives. One of the most transformative projects is the deployment of three mobile health units in May 2026, designed to serve rural and underserved regions of the state. These units will bring essential health services directly to communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing care, providing a critical lifeline to those in need. By addressing geographic and logistical constraints, the mobile health units aim to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and ensure that all South Carolinians have equitable access to quality health services.
Additionally, the release of an updated State Health Improvement Plan in 2026 will be a pivotal moment for DPH. This comprehensive plan has been developed with input from over 60 stakeholder groups, reflecting a collaborative approach to identifying and addressing the state’s most pressing public health challenges. The updated plan will provide a roadmap for ongoing efforts, guiding strategies and resources towards areas that will have the most significant impact on improving health outcomes.
Another critical initiative is the opening of a new public health and environmental laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility will bolster South Carolina’s capabilities in emergency response, newborn screenings, and disease surveillance. By enhancing the state’s infrastructure and capacity for addressing public health threats, the laboratory will play a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of residents and ensuring rapid and effective responses to emerging health concerns.
A Path Towards Better Health for All
DPH’s unwavering dedication to public health is further underscored by its commitment to recruiting more passionate and qualified individuals to join the team. The goal is to assemble a diverse and dynamic workforce that can drive innovation and excellence in public health initiatives. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging the collective expertise of its employees and partners, DPH aims to make South Carolina the healthiest state in the nation.
Through these ambitious initiatives, DPH strives to achieve comprehensive health improvements, ensuring that every South Carolinian has the opportunity to achieve their best possible state of health. The advancements reflect not only the department’s commitment but also the potential for transformative change when communities, organizations, and individuals unite toward a common goal.
Looking Ahead
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week by reflecting on significant progress and ongoing initiatives in improving public health across the state. Observed each April, National Public Health Week honors key public health accomplishments and addresses important issues under the theme “It Starts Here,” which stresses the vital role each person plays in enhancing community health. Led by Dr. Edward Simmer, the DPH is devoted to boosting the health of South Carolinians through strategic partnerships with various sectors, including public and private entities, local governments, and community and faith-based organizations. These partnerships aim to create sustainable health improvements and promote healthy behaviors. During this week, the DPH also spotlights how collaboration can lead to innovative solutions for public health challenges in South Carolina, emphasizing collective responsibility and proactive engagement from all community members to ensure a healthier future for the state.
