South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC or DHEC) is the government agency responsible for public health and the environment in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was created in 1973 from the merger of the South Carolina State Board of Health and the South Carolina Pollution Control Authority. The agency's Director manages the day-to-day operations of the agency, while the Board of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for supervising DHEC's operations. Each of the board's seven members is appointed by  the governor with the advice and consent of the South Carolina Senate. Besides offices in Columbia (South Carolina's state capital), DHEC operates health and environmental regional offices, as well as local health departments and clinics, to ensure that the many programs and services the agency provides meets the needs of local areas. Some services are available to all; some have eligibility requirements. Many are free, while others may carry a charge. Because each region has a custom mix of services, each local DHEC office may have a differing array of services available. Responsibilities. DHEC staff: South Carolina Department of