A Healthier State House began with a simple conversation at a 2015 health policy meeting. After hearing state health experts outline South Carolina’s persistent health challenges, Representative Neal Collins recognized that meaningful change had to start with the state’s leadership. If South Carolina hoped to improve the health of its citizens, policymakers needed to set the example.
“We wanted to set an example for all South Carolinians. Healthier food choices and more physical activity can prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases that rob South Carolinians of a quality life and cost all of us a lot of money,” Collins said.
Motivated by that vision, Collins partnered with the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) and Fitbit to launch a program dedicated to whole‑person wellbeing for legislators and their staff. Through statewide partnerships, A Healthier State House now provides tools, resources, and onsite health assessments that help state leaders improve their wellbeing, lead by example, and make the State House a healthier place to govern.
This included the permanent installment of official “walking trails” on the State House grounds, which are available here.
With Representative Collins and SCHA leading the charge, the initiative quickly expanded. Hospitals, health advocates, state agencies, and private‑sector partners joined the effort—including Prisma Health, MUSC Health, Hilton Head Hospital, Wholespire, the SC Department of Public Health, the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, YMCA, Fitbit, and the SC General Assembly.
In its first year alone, A Healthier State House engaged roughly 100 elected officials—including two former governors. Today, the program continues to grow, offering annual health assessments, wellness events, and ongoing support to promote healthy lifestyles and foster a culture of wellbeing across South Carolina’s government.