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Protecting Telehealth Access for South Carolinians

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Telehealth has become a lifeline for many South Carolinians—especially in rural and underserved communities where patients often face long drives, transportation barriers, and limited provider availability. With current flexibilities set to expire on September 30, 2025, patients and providers are looking for clarity on what comes next.
 The Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2025 (H.R. 4206/S. 1261) is the most comprehensive proposal under consideration. It would
For South Carolina, this would mean seniors, patients managing chronic diseases, and those seeking mental health care could continue receiving services without unnecessary barriers.
Medicare Reimbursement for Providers:
Right now, Medicare reimbursement for telehealth is only secure through September 30, 2025. Providers are reimbursed at rates comparable to in-person visits—a policy that has enabled rural clinics and small practices to deliver care virtually.
If these policies are not extended, reimbursement could revert to outdated limits, leaving many providers unable to sustain their telehealth programs. For South Carolina, that means uncertainty in long-term planning, staffing, and investment in telehealth technology.
Why Action Is Urgent
If Congress does not act before October 1:
The progress of the last five years would be lost—and South Carolina patients would feel the impact immediately.
Why It Matters for South Carolina
Telehealth is not just convenience; it’s access.
Take Action
Patients, providers, and advocates all have a role to play. Contact your representatives in Congress and urge them to support legislation that makes Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanent.
Looking Ahead
As the September 30 deadline approaches, Palmetto Care Connections will continue to share timely updates. Telehealth has proven its value. Ensuring its long-term stability will help providers continue delivering high-quality care to South Carolinians wherever they are.

National Suicide Prevention Week: How Telehealth Strengthens Mental Health Support in South Carolina

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that suicide is not inevitable—it is preventable. The theme of this week is connection: connecting people to resources, providers, and hope. In South Carolina, telehealth is making that connection stronger than ever. 

Why Access Matters During a Crisis 

In many parts of South Carolina, especially rural communities, access to mental health care can be limited. Long drives, provider shortages, or stigma can create dangerous delays when someone is in crisis. Suicide Prevention Week highlights the importance of removing those barriers—and telehealth does just that by bringing care directly to people wherever they are. 

Telepsychiatry: A Lifeline in Emergency Situations 

South Carolina’s Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities leads one of the nation’s most recognized telepsychiatry programs, delivering thousands of psychiatric consultations each month. Through Emergency Department Telepsychiatry, patients in crisis can receive immediate assessments via secure video—reducing wait times, avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations, and ensuring timely care that can save lives. 

Other statewide telepsychiatry programs provide care in community clinics, inpatient hospitals, and even specialized services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. Since launching, South Carolina has delivered more than 100,000 telepsychiatry services—each one a chance to stabilize a crisis and prevent a tragedy. 

Online Screening Tools for Adults and Youth 

As part of Suicide Prevention Week, it’s important to highlight resources available right now for South Carolinians. The BHDD Office of Mental Health offers two free, anonymous, online mental health screeners: 

  • Adult Mental Health Screener – for individuals 18+ to take a self-check questionnaire and connect with a professional counselor for guidance, support, and referral to mental health or substance use services. 
  • Kids’ Mental Health Screener – for parents and guardians to complete on behalf of children, with a caring professional offering support and resources for behavioral health services. 

Both tools provide a private, easy way to take the first step toward help and healing. 

This Week, and Every Week 

National Suicide Prevention Week is about awareness—but also about action. In South Carolina, telehealth is more than a tool; it is an active part of saving lives and preventing suicide. 

If you or someone you know is struggling: 

  • Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

This week, let’s spread the message: with telehealth, hope is closer than ever. 

Connecting Communities: Lifeline Awareness Week

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

September 8–14, 2025 

Every September, organizations across the nation come together to highlight Lifeline Awareness Week—a dedicated time to raise awareness about a vital program that helps keep people connected. This year, Lifeline Awareness Week is September 8–14, 2025. 

At Palmetto Care Connections, we know that a phone call or internet connection can mean so much more than convenience—it can be the difference between getting healthcare, finding a job, or reaching loved ones in times of need. 

What is the Lifeline Program? 

The Lifeline Program is a federal initiative that provides discounted phone and internet services for qualifying low-income households. Administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline ensures that essential connectivity is within reach for those who may otherwise struggle to afford it. Eligible participants receive a monthly discount on phone or broadband services through participating providers. 

For many rural South Carolinians, this program is not just helpful—it’s essential. Reliable phone and internet access means patients can connect with telehealth providers, students can complete school assignments, and families can stay connected with important community resources. 

Why Lifeline Matters

In today’s digital world, being disconnected can limit opportunities. Lifeline helps bridge that gap by: 

  • Improving access to healthcare: Telehealth visits require stable internet or phone service. Lifeline helps make that possible. 
  • Supporting education: Students can research, complete assignments, and join virtual classrooms with reliable connectivity. 
  • Expanding career opportunities: From job searches to virtual interviews, access to the internet is key to workforce success. 
  • Enhancing safety and wellbeing: Whether it’s calling 911 or staying in touch with family, communication tools are a lifeline in emergencies. 

Who is Eligible?

Households may qualify for Lifeline if their income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if someone in the household participates in federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or certain Tribal programs. 

How to Enroll

  • Check Eligibility – Visit the National Verifier at https://www.lifelinesupport.org.
  • Apply Online or by Mail  – Complete the application with supporting documents.
  • Choose a Provider – Select a phone or internet provider that participates in Lifelife.
  • Start Saving – Once approved, you’ll receive the monthly discount on your service.

Get Connected Today 

If you or someone you know may qualify for the Lifeline Program, don’t wait. Visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org to learn more, check eligibility, and apply. 

Because when everyone has the tools to stay connected, our communities are stronger, healthier, and better prepared for the future. 

National Community Health Workers Awareness Week 2025

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August 25–29, 2025 marks National Community Health Workers Awareness Week, a time to honor the frontline professionals who connect people to care and strengthen public health. 

Community health workers (CHWs) are more than outreach staff—they are neighbors, advocates, and problem-solvers who guide people through complex healthcare systems, connect them to resources, and provide education that improves lives. Their work is especially vital in rural and underserved areas, where access to care can be limited. 

The week is organized by the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW), which launched the observance to strengthen recognition of the profession and encourage investment in its future. Earlier this summer, members of Congress introduced a resolution officially acknowledging the contributions of CHWs, underscoring their importance at the national level. 

This year’s theme, “Celebrating who we are, commemorating our achievements, and collaborating with equity,” highlights both the progress of the CHW movement and the ongoing push to ensure these professionals have the resources and support they need. A newly released report, Strengthening Public Health with Community Health Workers, emphasizes how CHWs improve outcomes in areas such as chronic disease management, prevention, and health education—while calling for sustainable funding to grow this workforce. 

National CHW Awareness Week is not just about celebration—it is about recognition. It reminds us that true healthcare doesn’t only happen in hospitals or clinics. It happens in living rooms, schools, churches, and community centers—where CHWs meet people where they are and help them live healthier lives. 

Supporting College Student Health Through Telehealth at Voorhees University

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On July 30, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) joined Voorhees University for their Freshman Orientation, welcoming incoming students and their families while spotlighting a powerful tool for student health and wellness: university-based telehealth. 

Through an ongoing partnership between Voorhees University, PCC, and Bamberg Family Practice, students have access to convenient, on-campus telehealth services that connect them to a local provider—without the need to travel off-site. This program continues to play a vital role in helping students stay healthy and focused throughout the academic year. 

PCC’s Caroline Warren and Bretta Kittrell of Bamberg Family Practice were on hand to speak directly with students and parents about how to access these services. For many students, it was their first introduction to telehealth—and a chance to learn how technology can simplify their health care while away from home. 

 

Helping Lee County Residents Connect: PCC Hosts Digital Literacy Training

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) brought its Digital Literacy Training program to the Lee County City Complex in Bishopville, SC, continuing its mission to help rural South Carolinians gain the skills they need to confidently use technology to connect to care.

Led by instructor Lee Ashe, with support from Jessica Samuel and Addi Jameson, the session welcomed 23 participants—primarily middle-aged and senior residents—who spent the morning learning how to navigate digital devices, access important health tools like Zoom and Doxy, and explore the basic features of their tablets.

Participant Gloria Hendley shared, “I enjoy this class. Lee Ashe was very professional, and she is a great teacher. I’m glad that I took this class. There were a lot of things that I did not know about the device.”

This session was made possible through support from the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA) and is part of PCC’s ongoing effort to empower communities through telehealth support and hands-on education.

New Federal Rule Expands Access to Opioid Treatment via Telehealth

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

A major win for rural health: providers can now prescribe buprenorphine—commonly known by the brand name Suboxone—via telehealth, giving patients faster, easier access to life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder.
Thanks to a new federal rule now in effect, DEA-registered providers can initiate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using telehealth technology—no in-person visit required. As reported by Healthcare IT News, the rule took effect February 18, 2025, and permanently allows providers to start treatment with buprenorphine through video or even audio-only consultations.
Under the rule, providers may prescribe up to a six-month supply of buprenorphine following a remote visit. After that, an in-person evaluation is required unless a federal exception applies. To ensure safety, providers must check the patient’s state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, confirm the patient’s location and identity during the visit, and ensure the pharmacy verifies identity before dispensing the medication.
This policy change eliminates a major barrier to care, allowing patients—especially those in rural areas without easy access to transportation or providers—to begin recovery without delay. Studies show that individuals who start treatment through telehealth are more likely to stay engaged and less likely to experience a fatal overdose. By making it easier to start and stick with treatment, this rule is a critical step toward saving lives and expanding access where it’s needed most.
Source:
Healthcare IT News – “What the new rule on medication-assisted treatment via telehealth means for providers”
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/what-new-rule-medication-assisted-treatment-telehealth-means-providers

PCC Team Engages with Faith-Based and Appalachian Telehealth Leaders at Statewide Conferences

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On August 1, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) team members represented the organization at two impactful events—each focused on strengthening rural health through collaboration, innovation, and connection.
Caroline Warren exhibited on behalf of PCC at the South Carolina Faith Community Nurses Association (SCFCNA) Annual Conference, held at Zion Lutheran Church in Lexington. The event brought together faith-based nurses and healthcare advocates from across the state. Caroline shared information about PCC’s mission and services and made valuable connections with fellow exhibitors and SCFCNA members who serve on the frontlines of rural care. Events like this allow PCC to connect with trusted community caregivers and spread awareness about digital health resources that can support their work.
Meanwhile, Liz Saitz participated in Bridging Rural Communities: Telehealth Innovations for Appalachia and Beyond, a region-wide event hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center (MATRC). Joining from the Greenville host site at Prisma Health, Liz engaged in TED-style presentations and group discussions centered around real-world telehealth solutions for rural communities. The day sparked ideas and reflections, with Liz bringing back fresh resources and insights to strengthen PCC’s ongoing initiatives.
PCC is proud to be part of conversations that drive rural health forward—one connection at a time.

Helping Hampton County Connect: PCC Hosts Digital Literacy Class at Local Library

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On July 28, 2025, Palmetto Care Connections brought its Digital Literacy Class to the Hampton County Library, continuing our mission to equip rural South Carolinians with the tools and knowledge they need to connect to care.

Supported by the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA), the class welcomed 15 Hampton County residents eager to learn the basics of navigating a digital device. Led by instructor Lee Ashe, with support from team members Addi Jameson, Jessica Samuel, Bailey Smoak, and Liz Saitz, the training offered one-on-one guidance in a welcoming and hands-on environment.

Participants practiced essential skills like accessing the internet, opening apps, and learning how to use telehealth services. Each attendee received a free tablet and one year of cellular service—helping eliminate obstacles to staying connected with health care providers.

One participant shared, “The class was great. Our instructors didn’t miss anything. I feel I can operate better.”

Classes like this don’t just teach technology—they open doors. By providing both the devices and the confidence to use them, PCC is helping more people take control of their health and stay connected, no matter where they live.

Strengthening Rural Care: Celebrating National Health Center Week

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

National Health Center Week, held August 3–9, 2025, is a time to recognize the vital role Community Health Centers play in providing primary care to millions of Americans—especially those living in rural or underserved areas. Sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers, this national observance honors the providers, staff, and partners who work every day to make care accessible regardless of a patient’s income or insurance status. It’s also an opportunity to strengthen the connection between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. 

In South Carolina, the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association (SCPHCA) plays an essential role in this network. As the “unifying organization” for all SC’s Community Health Centers, SCPHCA empowers clinics with training, technical support, advocacy, and capacity-building programs so that providers can deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across the state.

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), alongside SCPHCA and local health centers, is driving real change through telehealth, broadband access, digital literacy, and strategic partnerships. That’s how South Carolina is bridging gaps and making care more accessible — especially when challenges like provider shortages, long travel distances, and aging populations persist.

At PCC, we may not be a health center ourselves, but we proudly stand beside them, providing the tools and infrastructure they need to keep care close to home. When a clinic can offer virtual visits because of the broadband we help secure, or when a senior can navigate their first telehealth appointment thanks to our digital literacy classes, the impact is real and lasting. In fact, by participating in PCC’s Broadband Consortium, South Carolina’s health care centers have collectively saved more than $72.2 million in broadband costs—proof that strategic collaboration leads to real, measurable value. PCC is here to help health systems accomplish their mission.