CareSouth Carolina Recognizes and Commemorates Rural Health Day

As the nation commemorates Rural Health Day on November 16, CareSouth Carolina proudly reflects on over 40 years of dedicated service as a medical home. Since its inception, the organization has been a cornerstone for healing and compassion, providing quality healthcare to individuals irrespective of their personal circumstances.

CEO Ann Lewis emphasizes the significance of the occasion, stating, "Although there are several definitions of 'rural,' in SC between 21-34% of the population is considered rural. This presents challenges of health care access, and other factors impact health and wellness. Bridging urban and rural gaps with unique models of health care delivery will be our challenge for the future. CareSouth Carolina is actively engaged and uniquely in a position to address these challenges."

The statistics underline a critical issue in the state, with a substantial portion of the population residing in rural areas facing obstacles in accessing adequate healthcare. CareSouth Carolina recognizes the urgency of this matter and is steadfast in its commitment to being part of the solution to narrow the healthcare gap between urban and rural communities.

In response to the evolving healthcare landscape, CareSouth Carolina remains proactive. The organization remains committed to finding innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access and delivery, including mobile care and Telehealth services. The challenges posed by rural healthcare disparities demand unique models, and CareSouth Carolina is poised to meet these challenges head-on.

Since 2010, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health set aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day.

National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to celebrate the “power of rural.” We use this day to highlight the unique health care challenges that rural people face. Then, we show how our programs and policies, and the efforts of our partners and stakeholders, help address and reduce health care disparities in rural communities.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, infectious disease primary care, IV therapy, substance abuse prevention, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, senior support services, family support services, clinical counseling, laboratory, ultrasound, X-Ray, agricultural worker health services, and veterans choice provider.