FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2009
DHEC’s Vital Records state offices to reopen in Columbia on June 1
Columbia, S.C. – The state vital records onsite customer service area will re-open for services June 1, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“The area was closed during extensive renovation, which was necessary because of a 164 percent increase in the number of on-site customers between 2002 (18,049) and 2006 (47,682),” said Luanne Miles, director of the Division of Vital Records. “The previous space was designed for two customer service counters while the newly renovated space has eight customer service stations.
“The expansion of the current customer service area will provide additional seating space as well,” she said. “And it will offer customer service stations that will provide more privacy for customers to discuss private information with Vital Records staff. The expansion provides better security for confidential documents, putting DHEC’s vital records in compliance with proposed recommendations of the federal Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which impact Vital Record offices nationwide.
As of June 1, 2009, hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except for state holidays. Information about obtaining S.C. birth, death, marriage and divorce records can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/vr/.
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For public inquiries:
Luanne Miles – (843) 898-3324
E-mail – mileslb@dhec.sc.gov
For media inquiries:
Clair Boatwright – (843) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
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