Megan Weis, DrPH, MPH, MCHES and former senior director of strategic engagement for the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH), wrote an opinion piece for the Greenville News regarding the need for a statewide culture that is committed to health:

Health issues affect every individual, family and economy in the communities throughout our state. It’s time for South Carolinians to address these challenges as opportunities to create a statewide culture that is committed to health. This requires involvement of all stakeholders to support partnerships, research and initiatives that allow for the development of solutions and resources dedicated to creating a healthier Palmetto State.
At the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH), we are dedicated to creating and sharing evidence-based information aimed at improving health and wellness statewide.

Through collaboration with South Carolina’s communities, health-care providers, state agencies, academia and policymakers, IMPH works to turn stakeholders into partnerships that are creating solutions.

Reports like the "2019 County Health Rankings Report” released last week by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) are necessary tools for our organization, possible collaborators, as well as the general public for staying informed on factors that affect our statewide communities and their health.

The County Health Rankings Report, released annually since 2010, shows us exactly what contributes to the health of our state. The health of a community depends on various factors — ranging from individual health behaviors, to education and jobs, to the quality of health care as well as various environmental factors.

Data like that found in the 2019 County Health Rankings report helps communities understand how where people live, learn, work and play influences the health and lifespans of their families and community members. It also offers those of us looking to improve health throughout our state to identify areas of need.

Read Megan’s full article here.