Transforming Rural Healthcare in South Carolina - South Carolina proposes a bold and comprehensive Rural Health Transformation (RHT) plan to address longstanding disparities in health care access, quality, and outcomes across its rural communities. With approximately 1.75 million residents—32.6% of the state’s population—living in rural areas, the state faces disproportionate rates of chronic disease, maternal mortality, and limited access to care due to provider shortages; aging infrastructure; and the geographic and logistical challenges inherent to rural communities. South Carolina’s RHT plan is designed to transform the rural health care landscape through five integrated, outcomes-driven initiatives: Connections to Care – Expands digital infrastructure by implementing electronic health records, remote patient monitoring, telehealth services and a statewide resource database platform to improve care coordination and access. Leveling Up – Scales successful pilot programs statewide, focusing on chronic disease management, pediatric care quality, and workforce development. Wellness Within Reach – Deploys mobile health units, crisis response teams, and pop-up clinics to bring care directly to underserved populations. Shoring Up to Sustainability – Strengthens rural healthcare systems through targeted investments in workforce recruitment and retention, facility upgrades, and provider training. Tech Catalyst Fund – Supports rural health technology startups and community-based innovations to drive long-term health and economic improvements. Led by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, South Carolina’s plan and its five initiatives, aligns with the RHT’s five strategic goals: Make Rural America Healthy Again, Sustainable Access, Workforce Development, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation. The program emphasizes one-time, high-impact investments that remove systemic barriers and build long-term capacity, with a focus on improving chronic disease and maternal health outcomes across all rural counties. To implement this transformative vision, South Carolina is requesting $1 billion in federal funding. This investment will enable the state to modernize rural healthcare infrastructure, expand access to essential services, and build a resilient, sustainable healthcare system that delivers measurable improvements in health outcomes for generations to come.
