Chaunte Causey

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

November is recognized as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Common symptoms include memory loss that disrupts daily life, confusion about time or place, difficulty completing familiar tasks, trouble finding words, and changes in mood or personality. Recognizing these early warning signs can make a meaningful difference in accessing timely care and support.

In South Carolina, organizations such as the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network and the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDA) are working to expand access to resources and care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC), operated by SCDA, provides dementia-specific respite, adult day programs, and educational opportunities — including telehealth support for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. These virtual services help reduce isolation, enhance caregiver education, and improve overall quality of life for families across the state.

The South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network, led by MUSC Health, connects healthcare providers, community programs, and family caregivers to create a comprehensive system of care. Through telehealth consultations and coordinated outreach, the network helps ensure that patients receive early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and consistent follow-up — regardless of where they live.

Palmetto Care Connections remains committed to promoting technology that supports aging in place and improves access to care. By combining compassion and innovation, telehealth is making it easier for families to stay connected, informed, and supported.

By Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

October 19–25, 2025, marks National Health Education Week, a national observance that highlights the importance of learning how to take charge of our own health. 

Health education is more than just sharing information—it’s about helping people understand their options, asking the right questions, and feeling confident using the tools and resources available to them. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition, learning how to use telehealth, or connecting with local healthcare providers, knowledge plays a key role in improving health outcomes. 

At Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), health education is woven into our work in telehealth, technology, broadband, and education. By helping individuals and healthcare providers access reliable information and digital tools, PCC supports stronger, healthier communities across South Carolina. 

National Health Education Week is a reminder that informed communities are healthier communities—and that access to clear, accurate information is one of the most powerful tools for better care. 

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Every October, communities across the nation come together to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, honoring survivors, and remembering those we’ve lost to this disease. At Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), we understand that healthcare access goes beyond routine check-ups—it’s about making sure individuals in every community, especially rural South Carolina, have the resources they need for early detection, treatment, and support. 

Why This Month Matters 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. While treatment and survival rates have improved over the years, early detection remains the single most important factor in saving lives. Screenings like mammograms can catch cancer in its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear. For those living in rural areas, limited access to healthcare facilities can make timely screenings more difficult—which is why raising awareness and connecting people to resources is critical. 

The Power of Prevention and Early Detection 

• Screenings save lives: Regular mammograms can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting it early. 
• Know the signs: Lumps, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge should never be ignored. 
• Family history matters: Understanding your family’s medical history helps determine your personal risk. 

Supporting Rural Communities 

For many South Carolinians, challenges like distance, lack of transportation, or limited access to specialists can delay care. PCC works to close these gaps through telehealth, broadband expansion, and digital literacy training—tools that connect patients in rural communities with healthcare providers when it matters most. Ensuring women have both the knowledge and the ability to access screenings is a step toward saving more lives. 

A Call to Action 

This October, take a proactive step for yourself and your loved ones: 

• Schedule your mammogram or encourage a friend to do the same. 

• Share information about available resources in your community. 

• Support organizations that help provide care and education to underserved areas. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink—it’s about spreading knowledge, fostering prevention, and making sure every individual has the opportunity for early detection and quality care. 

At Palmetto Care Connections, we remain committed to improving access to healthcare for rural and underserved communities across South Carolina. Together, we can raise awareness, support one another, and work toward a future where breast cancer takes fewer lives. 

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

September 14–20 marks Telehealth Awareness Week, a nationwide observance led by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) to highlight how virtual care is transforming healthcare.

Here in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster has also issued a proclamation recognizing this week as Telehealth Awareness Week in the Palmetto State—underscoring just how vital telehealth has become for our communities.

For Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), this week is about more than awareness—it’s about action.

What Telehealth Means for South Carolina

In rural communities across our state, distance and access are two of the biggest challenges to care. For many patients, seeing a specialist can mean hours of travel, lost wages, and added costs. Telehealth changes that by bringing healthcare to the patient instead of the other way around.

• Access – Telehealth connects patients in underserved areas to primary care doctors, specialists, and behavioral health providers without long commutes.

• Affordability – Families save on travel expenses and missed workdays, while providers can reduce costly no-shows.

• Consistency – Remote patient monitoring and virtual visits allow for better follow-up between in-person appointments, especially for those managing chronic illnesses.

Why Awareness Matters

Despite its proven benefits, telehealth is still underutilized. Studies show that older adults and rural minority groups often use telehealth less than their peers, creating disparities in care. Awareness is the first step to creating access —by educating communities, training individuals to use digital devices, and ensuring providers and patients understand their telehealth options.

That’s where PCC’s work comes in. Through telehealth implementation, broadband expansion, and digital literacy training and education in all 46 counties across South Carolina, we’re helping communities harness the power of technology to improve their health and quality of life.

The Bigger Picture

Telehealth isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential care. From managing everyday health concerns to addressing maternal health and behavioral health needs, telehealth ensures no one is left behind simply because of where they live.

Telehealth Awareness Week is a reminder that healthcare should be close to home and accessible for all South Carolinians. By continuing to expand telehealth opportunities, PCC and our partners are making sure rural residents have the same chance at wellness as anyone else.

👉 Learn more about how PCC supports telehealth in South Carolina: https://www.palmettocareconnections.org/telehealth/telehealth-special-events/
📲 Join the conversation: #TelehealthAwarenessWeek #TelehealthIsHealth #StayConnectedSC

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

• Permanently remove outdated geographic restrictions so Medicare patients can receive care at home.
• Eliminate in-person requirements for telemental health visits, protecting consistent access to counseling and behavioral health services.
• Preserve audio-only telehealth options for patients without broadband or video devices.

• Patients may once again have to travel to designated facilities for virtual visits.
• Audio-only telehealth could disappear, cutting off those without internet or devices.
• Mental health care could face new restrictions, delaying access to critical services.

• Patients in rural areas can avoid hours of travel.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease can be monitored more effectively.
• Mental health services can be delivered faster and more consistently.

• Find your House representative: house.gov (search by zip code in the top right corner).
• Contact South Carolina’s Senators: senate.gov (click “Senators” → “Contact Your Senators”).