April 2025

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Palmetto Care Connections team members recently joined healthcare leaders and advocates from across the state at the Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare’s (CRPH) 5th Annual Meeting, held on April 3, 2025, at the Pastides Alumni Center in Columbia, SC.

The event, designed to bring together CRPH partners for a day of learning, networking, and meaningful discussion, offered an opportunity for participants to share ideas and explore strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.

Caroline Warren, Liz Saitz, and Matt Hiatt represented PCC at the meeting, along with Bretta Kittrell, FNP, from Bamberg Family Practice. The team engaged in a full day of programming, which included attending insightful panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on rural healthcare innovation, workforce development, and community partnerships.

Through these sessions, our team members gained valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing South Carolina’s rural healthcare providers and explored new ways to collaborate with fellow CRPH partners to drive progress in rural health.

PCC is proud to be part of the ongoing conversation around rural healthcare and looks forward to applying the knowledge and connections gained at this year’s annual meeting to support our mission of connecting rural communities to quality care through technology and innovation.

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a vital time to reflect on how alcohol use impacts individuals, families, and communities, and to promote healthier choices, support, and access to care.

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) understands that alcohol misuse doesn’t just affect physical health—it can also deeply impact mental wellness, relationships, and overall quality of life. In rural areas, where access to behavioral health and substance use treatment can be limited, it’s even more critical to bridge the gap with innovative, community-focused solutions.

This April, in observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, PCC is spotlighting an important initiative: Mom’s IMPACTT—IMProving Access to Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care Through Telemedicine and Tele-Mentoring.
Mom’s IMPACTT is a mental health and substance use disorder resource and referral program for people who are pregnant or within 12 months postpartum, and for any healthcare provider caring for a pregnant or postpartum person.

Alcohol use during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have serious consequences, and access to supportive, non-judgmental care is essential. Programs like Mom’s IMPACTT provide the vital connection between rural families and the specialized care they need—using telehealth to overcome geographic and transportation barriers.

This Alcohol Awareness Month, let’s continue having open, supportive conversations around alcohol use, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect people with the care they deserve.

To learn more about Mom’s IMPACTT, visit:
🔗 https://muschealth.org/medical-services

By Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

At Palmetto Care Connections, our work is rooted in the belief that better health begins right here in our own communities. That’s why we’re proud to join the national observance of National Public Health Week, taking place April 7–13, 2025. Now in its 30th year, this week is a time to celebrate the progress made in public health—and to recommit to the work that still lies ahead.

The theme for 2025, “It Starts Here,” reflects what we see every day in our efforts across South Carolina: health improvements begin with simple, local action. Whether it’s teaching someone how to use a tablet for a virtual doctor visit or providing a reliable connection point in a rural community, we know lasting change starts by removing the barriers that keep people from accessing care.

This year’s public health priorities include strengthening the healthcare workforce, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and building community resilience. These goals align with PCC’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps through innovation, education, and collaboration. As we continue expanding broadband access, offering digital literacy classes, and providing telehealth access sites in rural communities, we’re doing our part to make healthcare more accessible for all South Carolinians.

Public health wins don’t happen overnight—but over time, with strong partnerships and consistent support, they change lives. At PCC, we’re proud to be part of the movement to create healthier, more connected communities—not just during Public Health Week, but every day.

To learn more about National Public Health Week and how you can take part, visit nphw.org.

Each year on April 7, World Health Day serves as a reminder of the importance of health and wellness for people around the world. For Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), it’s a moment to highlight the challenges rural South Carolinians face in accessing health care—and to share how we’re working to improve those outcomes every day.

This year’s theme, “My Health, My Right,” reinforces the idea that everyone should be able to find and receive the care they need to live a healthy life. In rural communities, however, that can be difficult. From long drives to the nearest provider to a lack of internet service for telehealth appointments, people living in small towns and farming communities often have fewer options when it comes to getting care.

PCC is focused on making those options more available. Whether it’s helping patients get connected through telehealth, teaching people how to use new technology, or supporting clinics with training and resources, we work alongside partners to improve care across South Carolina’s rural areas.

Why World Health Day Matters to Rural South Carolina

• Many rural residents face challenges like fewer doctors, longer travel times, and limited internet access.
• Telehealth can connect patients with providers they might not otherwise be able to see—especially for mental health, follow-up visits, and managing chronic conditions.
• Our Digital Health Learning Program gives people the confidence to use devices and apps to stay on top of their health.

PCC believes that healthier families build stronger communities. This World Health Day, we’re proud to continue our work helping rural South Carolinians live longer, healthier lives—through smart solutions, strong partnerships, and local support.

By Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

As a Project Coordinator at Palmetto Care Connections, Liz Saitz wears many hats to support our mission! From managing the telehealth team to overseeing Digital Literacy device deployment and supporting software systems, Liz plays a key role in ensuring everything runs smoothly 🌐💡. She also leads our app building team and provides IT support to both staff and participants. 

One of Liz’s standout moments at PCC was presenting at both our 11th and 12th Annual Telehealth Summits—experiences that have left her with so many great memories of connecting with others in the field 🏆. 

Liz’s journey to PCC began in a chance encounter with Mrs. Kathy at Bucee’s in Florence while she was moving back to her hometown of Bamberg. After learning about PCC’s impactful work in the community, Liz was eager to join the team and contribute to the mission of serving underserved communities 🏡💙. 

The most rewarding part of her role is helping people in underserved communities access technology and healthcare. Liz is proud to bridge the gap for those who couldn’t take advantage of telehealth due to a lack of devices or resources. 

Guided by her favorite mantra, “Stand true to your own frequency,” Liz stays grounded and true to her values every day 🌟. 

Outside of work, Liz loves to attend sporting events and support her alma mater, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.  

Thank you, Liz, for your dedication to empowering communities and helping them thrive through technology! 

#MakingConnections #MeetOurTeam #PalmettoCareConnections 

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and recognize the importance of early understanding and support.

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) joins the global observance by highlighting the value of early access to care and reliable resources—especially for families in rural or medically underserved areas. Autism affects people differently, and early signs often appear before the age of two. For parents and caregivers, knowing what to look for and where to turn can make a meaningful difference.

One helpful tool is the Toddler Home Program developed by the Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center (SETRC). This online resource helps families recognize early signs of autism in children between 9 and 36 months old. It offers accessible, evidence-based guidance for identifying developmental milestones and provides tools to start conversations with healthcare providers. You can explore the program here: https://setrc.us/toddler-home/

At PCC, we work to ensure families across South Carolina can access tools like this—whether through telehealth, broadband expansion, or partnerships with providers and educators. Our goal is to connect individuals with the care and support they need, when and where they need it.

On this World Autism Awareness Day, we encourage families, caregivers, and community members to explore trusted resources, stay informed, and take early steps toward care when needed.

To learn more about PCC’s work across South Carolina, visit www.palmettocareconnections.org.

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Since 1992, April has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month—a time to acknowledge how stress impacts our health and take steps to manage it in healthy ways. At Palmetto Care Connections, we’re committed to supporting the overall well-being of South Carolina’s rural communities through education, outreach, and access to digital health solutions.

Stress by the Numbers

According to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services:

• Nearly half of U.S. adults say they frequently experience stress.
• 83% of workers report stress from their jobs, with over half saying it affects their home life.
• Among Gen Z, 91% report physical or emotional symptoms linked to stress.

Prolonged stress can contribute to major health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.

Tips for Managing Stress

• Prioritize rest, movement, and nutritious food.
• Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
• Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope—these can increase stress over time.
• Reach out to a mental health professional when needed.

Stress is a part of life—but with the right support and resources, it doesn’t have to control it.