DHEC splits into two agencies next week, what to know in the Upstate

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Next Monday the State Department of Health and Environmental Control is splitting into two agencies; the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Services.

Dr. Kandi Fredere is taking on the role of Regional Health Director of the Department of Public Health for the Upstate.

“What that means for the public, for the most part, is when you go to your local or county health department, those health departments will be run by DPH or Department of Public Health staff,” said Fredere. “We will provide a variety of services just as we currently do in our current structure, relating to things like immunizations, family planning, STD services, newborn home visits and a wide variety of services.”

DHEC officials told us the Department of Environmental Services, on the other hand, will oversee things like land and waste management, air quality and water services.

Spartanburg Water falls under this category. They said they don’t expect any major changes with the transition.

“We expect the DHEC restructuring process to be seamless and allow us to continue a good and effective working relationship with our partner,” Communications Manager, Jennifer Candler said.

Dr. Fredere said the newly created department of health will likewise not disrupt services.

“In the Upstate we operate county health departments across all 11 of the counties that I am responsible for. We will continue to operate services, those buildings will still be open and be providing the same clinical services that we have in the past,” Fredere said.

Fredere added that most the changes people can expect will be external.

“You really won’t notice a difference other than they will see a new name and new logo change for us,” Fredere said.

Dr. Fredere said one difference they would like the community to notice is the greater emphasis on public outreach.

“You will be able to, as a community member, really understand what services we offer at the local level that you have a good understanding of what public health is,” Fredere said.

Existing appointments and how you schedule appointments at any county or state-run health department will not change.

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