DHEC remains committed to working with public health care professionals, environmentalists, industry experts, stakeholders, and members of the community to build strong partnerships that improve the lives of all South Carolinians by promoting and protecting the health of the public and the environment.

Here are highlights of some of the ways in which the work DHEC is doing with our partners demonstrate how we’re stronger together.

Pursuing Excellence to Enhance Food Safety at South Carolina Restaurants

Beginning in 2013, DHEC started working with South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) on revising our Retail Food Establishments Regulation, to enhance food safety at restaurants across the Palmetto State. Since then, we have partnered with the team at SCRLA every year to host informational meetings on regulation changes and food safety topics.

Promoting Teamwork to Improve Health Outcomes in the Lowcountry

From planning and prep to providing staff, DHEC has been a part of the Tri-County Health Needs Assessment from the start. The aim of the assessment is to improve health outcomes and the well-being of every person in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, which aligns with our vision of healthy people living in healthy communities.

DHEC Partners with LiveWell Greenville to Help Create Healthier Communities

LiveWell Greenville is a network of more than 100 community organizations that work together to ensure access to healthy eating and active living. DHEC has been member of this coalition since it began in 2018. As part of our partnership, DHEC and LiveWell Greenville work together to provide support through the region’s community work plan to create and maintain a community that promotes healthy, livable communities.

DHEC and SC Long-Term Healthcare Facilities Work Together to Promote a 'Spirit of Caring'

Spirit of Caring is a collaborative program designed to encourage skilled nursing facilities to develop, implement, and then share “Best Practices.” It brings together providers and regulatory agencies to highlight best practices, engagement projects, and many other initiatives that our state’s nursing facilities have done throughout the year to enhance the quality of life and enjoyment for their patients.

DHEC and Richland Library Pursue Innovative Collaborative to Bring Career Services to the Community

For more than a year, DHEC has worked with Richland Library to provide career services and seminars to patrons. In addition to providing an outlet for recruitment, this collaboration provides a retention service by offering seminars and training opportunities and furthers DHEC’s reputation as an agency that is working to make a difference in the communities we serve.

DHEC Partners with City of Columbia to Improve and Communicate About Air Quality

DHEC’s Air Quality Coalitions Program is a collaborative effort between DHEC, local governments, environmental groups, and other stakeholders with the goal of meeting national ambient air quality standards across the state. The City of Columbia is one such partner working with DHEC to help people breathe better.

DHEC and Alzheimer’s Association Work Together to Provide Better Care for Patients

With over 90,000 residents in the state experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, DHEC’s oversight of nursing homes and assisted living facilities provides meaningful support and protection to those residents. By partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, DHEC is working to educate the people working with patients experiencing this type of dementia as well as better engage the healthcare community. 

DHEC and SC Hospital Association Partner to Help Patients Stay Safe During Disaster

In the face of natural disasters such as Hurricane Dorian that threatened to strike South Carolina last year, DHEC and entities such as the S.C. Hospital Association (SCHA) communicate with each other, patients, and the public about their respective storm efforts to better serve patients and their loved ones.

DHEC and DNR Work Together to Restore Oyster Beds

DHEC works throughout the year to support healthy people living in healthy communities.

This includes teaming up with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for that agency’s S.C. Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program during Trident United Way’s Day of Caring.