COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) — On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Healthy Palmetto will unveil its 2025-2029 Action Plan. The plan will present six key strategic priorities designed to drive collective action and impact.
Healthy Palmetto, a coalition of over 40 statewide partners led by the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Wholespire, is committed to creating a South Carolina where quality of life is a priority and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Representatives from implementing organizations will also be present to showcase their contributions and share how they are advancing these priorities.
The new Action Plan is built on the understanding that improving public health requires meaningful cross-sector and community-based changes that support healthy behaviors. Many South Carolinians face barriers to nutritious food and safe spaces for physical activity, which significantly impact overall health outcomes. In 2022, 12% of adults in South Carolina reported experiencing poor physical health for at least 14 days in the past month, while 16% reported similar struggles with their mental health. Additionally, 35% of adults in the state are classified as having obesity, placing South Carolina among 22 states with an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%.
To address these challenges, the Action Plan prioritizes two core areas: ensuring all South Carolinians have access to nutritious and affordable food, and creating safe, accessible spaces for physical activity. The coalition believes that achieving these goals requires a collective effort, bringing together multiple organizations and agencies to implement evidence-based solutions that work for all South Carolinians.