News

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 barriers 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 breaking down those barriers—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, accessible, and equitable 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”).

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. 

• Learn more about South Carolina’s Telepsychiatry Programs at scdmh.org/telepsychiatry. 

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

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. 

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. 

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC