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Monthly Archives

May 2024

Empowering Communities: A Mother’s Digital Journey with Palmetto Care Connections

By News

Written by: Campbell Mims, Sweatman Strategies, LLC

Latasha King balanced motherhood, her career as a community health worker, and her own education with the finesse of a seasoned multitasker. When Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) introduced a digital literacy class alongside free tablets, Latasha saw it as both an opportunity and a necessity.

“Honestly,” she explained, “we had to take the course to receive the tablet. So, just to go over the basic information of learning how to be digitally literate with the tablet was enormously helpful.”

While the class was initially mandatory, Latasha approached it with an open mind, recognizing the potential benefits beyond just fulfilling a requirement. “Yes, I think that it was good to have someone to go step-by-step to make sure everybody understood what was being done,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of accessible learning for all.

As a mother and a professional, Latasha understood the significance of mastering even the most basic tablet functions. “Just as something as basic as turning on the tablet… because some people just don’t understand,” she emphasized, acknowledging the diverse needs of her community, from older individuals unfamiliar with technology to those facing cognitive challenges.

Latasha’s journey with the tablet extended beyond personal use. “My daughter is now two years old, but we have graduated at 18 months,” she shared proudly. The tablet not only served as a tool for educational and recreational purposes but also facilitated telehealth appointments, ensuring access to vital healthcare resources.

Reflecting on the impact of the digital literacy class, Latasha recognized a newfound confidence in navigating technology, both personally and professionally. “I think the class helped a lot… on the workforce, the professional side, it was easier,” she affirmed, highlighting the streamlined processes enabled by newfound skills.

In her role as a community health worker, Latasha found herself not only implementing these skills with her clients but also teaching her daughter the basics of tablet use. Her experiences underscored the importance of patience and accessibility in digital education. While she didn’t personally utilize telehealth during her pregnancy, Latasha witnessed its transformative potential for her clients, especially those facing transportation challenges. “I have had clients that were able to use it during their telehealth,” she explained, emphasizing the invaluable role of technology in overcoming barriers to healthcare access.

Latasha’s narrative painted a picture of empowerment and resilience, both for herself and her community. Through the support and guidance provided by PCC, she navigated the digital landscape with newfound ease, enriching the lives of those around her.

With a smile on her face that only the power of knowledge and education could create, Latasha expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the digital literacy class and the unwavering support of PCC. Her story was a testament to the power of education and technology in bridging gaps and empowering communities to thrive in the digital age.

Orangeburg Distribution Day

By News

Orangeburg Distribution Day was a huge success! We are thrilled to announce that we distributed devices to 15 individuals with Healthy Connections Medicaid Cards, providing them with vital tools for accessing digital resources. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and hospitality of the Orangeburg County Library staff. Their contributions made the day smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved. This event marks a significant step towards digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide in our community. By providing these devices, we are empowering individuals to access essential online services and improve their overall well-being. Here’s to a healthier and more connected future for everyone in Orangeburg!

Two-Year Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

By News

Source: Center for Connected Health Policy

Federal telehealth waivers have been extended for two more years, allowing patients to continue accessing healthcare from the comfort of their homes. This means no geographic restrictions and the inclusion of audio-only visits. Plus, the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative is here to stay! At Palmetto Care Connections, we’re dedicated to empowering our patients with convenient, high-quality care.

Two-Year Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

Earlier this month, the House Ways and Means Committee marked up and passed HR 8261 “Preserving Telehealth, Hospital and Ambulance Access Act,” which would provide a two-year extension of the current temporary Medicare telehealth waivers. Included in the proposed extension are the temporary waivers on:

  • The geographic and originating site limitations
  • Expanded list of providers eligible for reimbursement by Medicare if they provided services via telehealth, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)
  • Continued delay of the in-person visit requirement for mental health services provided via telehealth when not meeting certain location requirements
  • Continued coverage for some services to be provided via audio-only

The temporary waivers would be extended to December 31, 2026.

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Telestroke treatment proves lifesaver for rural seniors, data reveals

By News

Source: McKnight Senior Living

 

The use of telehealth programs for stroke patients in rural areas, where access to in-person specialists could be difficult, makes a huge difference in receiving faster, life-saving diagnoses, a new report finds.

With stroke deaths disturbingly on the rise, the ability to shorten what is described as the “door-to-needle” time for possible stroke victims is crucial.

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Lowcountry Leaders Rally as ACP Winds Down

By News
Lowcountry leaders rally as federal internet program winds down: Yesterday, the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) convened at North Charleston City Hall, guiding residents through the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Since 2021, this initiative has provided internet access to 23 million households nationwide, but with funding dwindling, it’s ending this month. Nearly 35,000 Tri-County households, totaling 91,732 residents, will be affected.
Ryan Wilcox, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester County of Governments, Mary Ann Gilmer, Palmetto Goodwill, Aaron Jones, TriCounty Cradle to Career, Natalie Hauff, Charleston Co. Public Library, Ashlee Parra, PCC, and Kenya Dunn, Board of Directors Chair TCCC, are pictured, spearheading efforts to ensure community readiness and awareness of available resources.