Focusing on South Carolina
February 2009
Focus: Heart Disease
SC Statistics:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in South Carolina and the nation.
- Heart disease and stroke combined claim 35 lives a day in South Carolina.
- Heart disease affects nearly one-quarter of South Carolina’s population.
Why is this a public health priority?
Heart disease affects every community and nearly every family in South Carolina. The many risk factors that contribute to heart disease—including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity—are rampant in our state. The physical, financial and emotional burden of heart disease is taking a toll on our state and depriving our fellow South Carolinians of their quantity and quality of life. The impact of this disease impedes South Carolina from realizing our collective potential, and the time for action is now!
What is the role of SCPHI in addressing this priority?
The South Carolina Public Health Institute is joining with key partners to raise awareness about the burden of heart disease and its impact on our state. We are also helping to promote health lifestyle behaviors by lending support to efforts that increase physical activity and healthy eating. As a specific step in addressing heart disease, Dr. Donna Richter, executive director of SCPHI, is serving as the honorary chair of the 2009 Midlands Go Red for Women campaign. In that role, she is working to highlight the unique burden of heart disease among women. Such efforts help to underscore the overwhelming impact of this disease on all South Carolinians.
Who are SCPHI’s key partners in this effort?
American Heart Association
Eat Smart, Move More SC
Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
