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Palmetto Care Connections Supports Veterans at Franklin UMC Outreach Center Launch

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On October 3, 2025, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) joined community members at Franklin United Methodist Church in Denmark, SC, to celebrate the grand opening of the church’s new Community Outreach Center. 

PCC team members Caroline Warren and Liz Saitz attended the event, where they demonstrated telehealth equipment and shared information to help attendees learn more about how telehealth can support access to care. 

The grand opening drew about 40 attendees, many of them veterans and community members. The celebration brought together several veteran-focused organizations, including the Veterans Resource Center at Voorhees University, the Department of Homeless Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Soldiers’ Angels, the National Order of the Trench Rats, and leaders such as Col. Kimberly Greene, Director of the Veterans Resource Center, and Norman Bryant, Disabled American Veterans and VA Voluntary Services Coordinator. 

As part of this partnership, PCC and Clemson Rural Health will begin offering clinical hours at Franklin UMC on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. starting in November. During these hours, community members can see a healthcare provider via telehealth, with a designated telepresenter on site to assist with scheduling and conducting visits. Walk-in appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and patients may also schedule a visit in advance by contacting Caroline Warren, Telehealth Coordinator, at 803-956-6070. Patients’ insurance will be billed at the time of service. If a patient does not have insurance, self-pay options are available. 

PCC is thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with these organizations and continue supporting veterans and the communities we serve. 

If your organization is interested in learning more about how telehealth can expand access to care, Palmetto Care Connections is here to help.  Call our office to learn more about how we can support your telehealth initiatives – 803-245-2672. 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protecting Yourself in a Connected World

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a reminder that staying safe online is everyone’s job. At Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), we believe technology should empower, not expose you. 

Why It Matters

One wrong click or one weak password can open the door to serious trouble: identity theft, data loss, or financial harm. For healthcare providers, especially, staying secure protects patient privacy—and your credibility.

  • 259 million Americans had health data breached in 2024 — nearly three out of four people.
  • The average health care breach costs $7.42 million, the highest of any industry.

Steps You Can Take Today

  • Think before you click — Don’t open links or attachments from unknown senders.
  • Use strong, unique passwords + Multi-factor Authentication.
  • Keep your devices up to date — install updates when your phone or computer asks.
  • Back up your data — store copies offline or securely in the cloud.

For detailed, practical tips on spotting and avoiding scams, check out PCC’s Digital Scam Protection Safety Guide.

Prefer hands-on learning? Take PCC’s Internet Safety Basics module on our e-learning platform.

Let’s Do This Together

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, start the conversation. Share these resources with coworkers, friends, and loved ones. A safer online world happens when everyone does their part.

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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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. 

 

Telehealth Awareness Week: Why It Matters for South Carolina

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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

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—particularly in rural and underserved communities where distance, transportation challenges, and limited provider availability can delay care. 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 delays or obstacles.

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 challenges—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. 

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.