SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare

Happy #NationalRuralHealthDay! To celebrate this special day, we asked our team members what they love about the #PowerOfRural. Enjoy what our staff says about the people, special connections, and the magic of rural health.

We’re excited to celebrate the #PowerOfRural on #NationalRuralHealthDay, Nov 21! As we approach the big day, we’re proud to reflect on how CRPH supports rural communities across South Carolina year-round:? ?? ?? 241 service locations? ?? 72 currently funded programs?? ?? 1,000,000+ miles of travel saved for specialty pediatric care?? ?? 21,688+ patients served through all CRPH programs in 2023? ? To learn more about our center and our commitment to rural health, check out our website here: https://lnkd.in/ekGvg5a5?? ?

Our staff has arrived in Greenville! Come visit our booth at the?South Carolina Office of Rural Health's 27th Annual Rural Health Conference!

CRPH staff members Alanti Price, Dr. Megan Weis, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, and Dr. Patricia Witherspoon attended the 7th Annual Live Healthy SC Conference earlier this week, where CRPH partners Healthy Learners received the Community Innovation Award. This award honors organizations actively driving innovative work to improve community health and reduce health disparities. ? Healthy Learners removes health barriers to learning through trust-based relationships with school leadership, nurses, teachers, families, and students. Their work spans vision screenings, eyeglasses, asthma inhalers, and dental care. ? “The CRPH and I want to congratulate the Healthy Learners team,” said Price. “This recognition is well-deserved for the work the organization does to support thriving students and communities in South Carolina!”

Check out this article that was coauthored by our director, Dr. Kevin Bennett. This case-study observes the application of mobile health clinics in underserved communities during health emergencies, specifically the delivery of vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.?? ? Dr. Bennett coauthored this study alongside Lior Rennert, Fatih Gezer, Iromi Jayawardena, Kerry A. Howard, Alain H. Litwin, and Kerry K Sease.?? ? Read the article here: https://bit.ly/40Ak1mJ

Applications are open! We are excited to invite students interested in rural health across the state to apply for our 2025 CRPH Summer Fellowship program. Summer Fellows will receive mentorship from staff as they assist with the center’s ongoing programs and research projects, attend networking opportunities with rural and primary healthcare professionals, visit rural sites, and complete service projects.? ? The program runs from June 2, 2025, through August 8, 2025. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/48xfDHd

Several CRPH team members attended the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative Symposium yesterday, engaging in important discussions on improving health outcomes for mothers and babies across the state. CRPH Program Manager Andrea Mitchell, MPH, also co-presented with Cyndi New of Self Regional Healthcare on our Center's Collaborative Health Communities program, which supports rural communities where residents can access all necessary services through a single connection. It was a great day of sharing insights and building connections to support healthier communities across South Carolina.

Our team always enjoys connecting with the USC Rural Interest Group! Earlier this week, Dr. Kevin Bennett joined their meeting as a guest speaker, discussing what defines "rural" and sharing insights from his career in rural health. We're proud to support this group and their dedication to understanding the challenges rural communities across the state face.

Last week, CRPH team members Alanti Price and Dr. Megan Weis, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, attended the South Carolina Alliance of YMCAs First Annual Community Health Conference in Columbia, where they served as guest speakers. They discussed topics such as rural health landscapes and what is rural while also sharing insights about our Center. It was a great opportunity to connect with peers and share insights on rural health challenges.

A big shoutout to Dr. Megan Weis, DrPH, MPH, MCHES! Earlier this week, she served as a moderator for the South Carolina Public Health Association’s Advocacy Workshop, guiding a discussion with fellow panelists on how SCPHA partners approach advocacy in South Carolina. We're always proud of her dedication to advancing public health! Photographed at the top left are Chynna Phillips, MPH, MSW, Shaniece Criss, Dr. Weis, and Taylor Wilson.?