News

Source: Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition
Stacey Lendbergh, LDEC Co-Manager

(Charleston, SC) – The LDEC membership have elected the inaugural Executive Committee to lead the regional alliance which represents a cross-sector of businesses, governments, and other community anchor institutions, dedicated to activities that ensure digital equity across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.

The Executive Committee members are:

• Mary Ann Gilmer – Vice President of Mission, Palmetto Goodwill
• Natalie Hauff, Deputy Director, Innovation, Charleston County Public Library
• Ashlee Parra, DIgital Literacy Program Manager, Palmetto Care Connections
• Ryan Wilcox, Regional Economic Development Specialist, BCD Council of Governments

“The One Region Roadmap identified digital equity as a critical action area that must be addressed to create a resilient and prosperous economy that works for all residents. As One Region’s lead agent for digital equity, the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) has taken action that has positively impacted residents of our region and helped inform South Carolina’s stated digital equity goals. This formalization of LDEC gives us the structure and support to reach those in need faster and in more meaningful ways,” Ryan Wilcox, BCDCOG and Managing Director of One Region.

As a component of its mission, The LDEC will lead and support regional efforts to:

• ensure that all residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties have access to affordable, reliable high speed internet to benefit from this technology in order to thrive to their fullest potential.
• achieve goals and objectives outlined by the SC Digital Equity Plan and the Digital Equity Act of 2021.

About The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition:

The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) is a regional public-private partnership responsible for setting and conducting the strategic priorities of the tri-county in the Charleston/N. Charleston MSA on matters related to digital inclusion. The LDEC is managed by backbone agency, Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC).

Palmetto Care Connections written by Campbell Mims, Sweatman Strategies, LLC

In the quiet rural outskirts of Estill, South Carolina, Brittney navigated her life as a dedicated mother of three boys. Juggling parenthood, work, and health concerns, she found herself facing numerous challenges, especially when it came to accessing medical care for herself and her family. But amidst the trials of rural living, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of digital literacy education offered by Palmetto Care Connections (PCC).

Brittney’s journey with PCC began unexpectedly, stemming from a simple checkbox on a Medicaid form. Little did she know, this decision would open doors to invaluable resources and opportunities. Initially hesitant about her technological prowess, Brittney embarked on the digital literacy class with curiosity and a desire to learn.

As she delved into the course, Brittney discovered a world of possibilities unfolding before her. Initially drawn to the idea of leveraging technology for medical purposes, she soon realized the broader implications of her newfound skills. “Having that information at my fingertips allows me to have control over my well-being,” Brittney said. Through telehealth appointments and easy access to medical records via her tablet, Brittney gained a newfound sense of control over her family’s healthcare journey.

The impact of the digital literacy class transcended mere convenience; it became a lifeline during critical moments. When her youngest son fell ill, Brittney’s ability to access and share his medical history with healthcare providers proved instrumental in diagnosing and treating his condition effectively. “It just kind of empowers you more as the patient,” stated Brittney. What once seemed like an insurmountable challenge in rural healthcare now became manageable, thanks to the knowledge she gained.

But the class didn’t stop at healthcare—it empowered Brittney to take charge of her overall well-being. Armed with the ability to track her health metrics and access medical resources, she embarked on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. By leveraging her digital literacy skills to monitor her progress and make informed decisions, Brittney shed light on the transformative potential of education and technology.

Reflecting on her experience, Brittney emphasized the importance of providing not just resources but also the necessary training and knowledge to utilize them effectively. “”If you give me something and you explain to me what I need to do to make this work for me then I’m good to go.,” remarked Brittney, a sentiment shared by other participants as well. She likened it to giving someone a bike without teaching them how to ride it—a sentiment that resonated deeply with her journey with PCC.

In the end, Brittney’s story epitomized the transformative power of education and technology in empowering individuals, especially those in underserved communities. Through PCC’s digital literacy class, she not only gained practical skills but also found a newfound sense of confidence and agency in navigating life’s challenges—one digital step at a time.

Source: Post and Courier

Source: Healthcare Finance

#InTheNews: Read all about the challenges and solutions associated with digital and telehealth equity. Even with the rapid advancement of telehealth technology, there’s a notable disparity in access and digital health literacy among different patient populations, affecting their engagement with telehealth services.

PCC is committed to expanding access, improving digital literacy, and ensuring that everyone can benefit from telehealth advancements. The focus on addressing the digital divide and improving digital literacy among patient populations mirrors PCC’s objectives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, location, age, or race, can access healthcare services effectively and efficiently.

Read the Healthcare Finance article here:

Pictured above: Co-Chairman of the SCTA, Kathy Schwarting and Dr. Jimmy McElligott testifying before a subcommittee of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee.

Source: Campbell Mims, Sweatman Strategies

In coordination and collaboration with the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance and other stakeholders,  Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) has actively supported H. 4159: Telehealth and Telemedicine Modernization Act. The bill outlines the following regulatory goals:

1. Introduce a new definition of “telehealth” which includes all provider types, not only MDs and DOs, who are essential to a patient’s care team in providing increased access to healthcare.
2. Modernize telehealth prescribing language to ensure SC patients can access life-saving treatment to combat the opioid epidemic in our state while maintaining important safeguards. Prescriptions of Schedule II and III narcotics are not permitted when a physician-patient relationship is established solely via telemedicine except when/for:
   • Patient is in hospital being treated by a practitioner
   • When buprenorphine is prescribed for opioid use disorder
   • End of life care, and
   • Other exceptions authorized by the board

On Jan. 24, 2024, the Senate adopted the Committee amendment of H. 4159, and the bill received a second reading as amended. On Jan. 25, the bill was read a third time and returned to the House with amendments with a roll call of Ayes 41; Nays 0. The House concluded in the Senate amendments on H. 4159. Having received a third reading in both chambers, the bill as amended was enrolled by the house on Wednesday, Jan. 31. The bill now travels to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk for his signature of approval.

Written by Ashlee Parra, Digital Literacy Program Manager, PCC

Going to school. Doing your job. Making a telehealth appointment.

These tasks have become nearly impossible without the Internet, and the Affordable Connectivity Program has successfully made it more affordable and accessible for 22 million American households to get online. However, funds are quickly running out, threatening to unplug those who need it most from affordable internet access.

Today, 425,446 South Carolina households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program. That’s about 1 in 5 households in the state. Palmetto Care Connections supports the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act so South Carolina seniors, veterans, and students of all ages can stay connected.