SC Department of Health and Environmental Control

SC Department of Health and Environmental Control is a public health department in Columbia, SC. It provides a range of services across the state, including family planning, immunizations, STD and HIV/Hep C testing, tuberculosis services, opioid overdose prevention kits with naloxone, and WIC nutrition program support. The department operates public health clinics and manages vital records for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces in SC. It also oversees the SC Trauma Advisory Council and maintains an interactive map of DPH-licensed healthcare facilities. The department manages Camp Burnt Gin, an overnight summer camp in Sumter County for children, teens, and young adults with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. The camp, founded in 1945, promotes independence, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyles through programs focused on safety, service, innovation, teamwork, excellence, and equity.

Camp Burnt Gin was established by Emily Cate, a physical therapist with the Board of Health, who believed children with orthopedic conditions needed more than medical care, they needed opportunities to build social skills and confidence through summer camp. Originally two camps, Mill Creek and Camp Burnt Gin, they merged in the late 1970s with Camp Burnt Gin selected for its accessibility. Over the decades, the program has expanded to serve individuals with a variety of health care needs. The camp continues to support campers, families, and staff through a community that celebrates differences and fosters acceptance.

The department’s headquarters is located on Hampton Street in Columbia, SC. It serves residents throughout the state with programs focused on public health, disease prevention, healthcare quality, and community outreach. Its long-standing presence in SC reflects a sustained commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting vulnerable populations. The department’s work in maternal and infant health, chronic disease, and health disparities is supported through faith-based partnerships and outreach initiatives.

Services:

• Accidental Release Prevention Program
• Air Dispersion Modeling
• Air Pollution Reduction Strategies
• Air Quality Permitting
• Ambient Air Monitoring
• Asbestos Regulatory Compliance
• Coastal Management
• Emissions Inventory Reporting