The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board. The agency and its staff are committed to improving the quality of life for all South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and the environment.
Quick help with popular topics
COVID-19
You can find the most up-to-date information about coronavirus disease 2019 on DHEC's COVID-19 webpage. This page includes information such as:
- Guidance for travel
- Use CDC’s booster tool to know when a booster is needed.
- Need a vaccine record? See our FAQs.
- Looking for SC data? It’s available here.
- Need at-home rapid antigen tests? No cost tests are available at most DHEC public health departments and at covidtests.gov.
- DHEC does not receive or track home test results.
- Have a general question? Call the Care Line at 1-855-472-3432, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., weekdays.
- Find a vaccine: vaccine locator or call 1-855-472-3432.
Johns Hopkins' VIRA (chatbot) can answer your COVID-19 vaccine questions. CDC’s COVID-19 website is also a great resource.
Latest information about the national infant formula shortage for South Carolina families.
Find information about birth certificates, death certificates, and other vital records.
Follow this guidance to locate a septic tank on a property.
See FAQs about immunizations, the South Carolina Immunization Registry, or the Statewide Immunization Online Network (SIMON).
Follow this guidance to apply for a food permit.
Visit the stormwater page for details.
More ways to contact us
Every concern, complaint or report is reviewed and acted on according to the agency’s regulatory authority—what regulations, laws or statutes allow DHEC to do.
Environmental, food
Use this tool to report concerns related to chemical spills, oil spills, or fish kills; restaurants, delis, meat markets, etc.; pollution; open burning or dumping; coastal issues; dam safety; drinking water; wastewater; solid or hazardous waste; stormwater or general water quality; pools; mining; abandoned boats; animal bites; asbestos; etc.
Health facilities and CNA abuse complaints
Use the complaint forms to report concerns about health facilities, providers, professionals, and services such as assisted living facilities, home health, hospice, hospitals, nursing homes, emergency medical services, and other health-related concerns.
For DHEC-licensed health facilities only: Report Accidents/Incidents
DHEC-licensed health facilities must report accidents and incidents using this application in accordance with the applicable state licensing regulation. Health facilities must separately satisfy any applicable CMS accident and incident reporting requirements in accordance with CMS regulations. Community members should use the complaint forms listed above to submit a complaint about DHEC-licensed health facilities.
Privacy
See our guidance for submitting a privacy complaint if you believe that DHEC has violated the privacy or security of health or other confidential information.
Website
If you’re having trouble with or difficulty using our website, please let our webmaster know.
Public Records/FOI
Our Freedom of Information (FOI) Office can assist you with copies of public records.
Controlled Substances Information
See our guidance for Controlled Substances. Providers and facilities can submit request, verifications, site inspections and complaints and other additional information.
For most messages, we aim to have a DHEC staff member contact you in 2-3 business days.
DHEC Constituent Services
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone
803-898-3301
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
Monday–Friday (except for state holidays)