Our Roots: AccessHealth SC
In 2007, stakeholders from across the state began discussing the idea of establishing a program that would assist communities across South Carolina in forming "networks of care" to meet the needs of the uninsured. In 2008, AccessHealth SC was formally established as a centralized resource for technical support to foster the creation of sustainable, community-based, data-driven networks of care to coordinate healthcare services for the uninsured. The goals are to improve utilization of health services and improve health quality of life.
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AccessHealth SC also has made the collection of health data a priority, seeing it as an integral part of securing long-term solutions for South Carolina's uninsured population. To this end, the program has partnered with the South Carolina Office of Research and Statistics and South Carolina Rural Health Research Center to collect additional and network specific data on demographics, disease trends and the utilization of healthcare resources. This knowledge creates a better understanding of the health care system in SC and can be useful to healthcare providers and policymakers in establishing future policies and programs.
AccessHealth SC's proactive approach to addressing healthcare needs of the uninsured has attracted support from a diverse and influential group of public and private partners from across South Carolina. This convergence of intellect, experience, passion, and commitment is the heart of AccessHealth SC and the very reason this important initiative is successful. Our History: AccessHealth Horry
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In 2012--with the support of the Duke Endowment--AccessHealth South Carolina announced the selection of Horry County as one of the communities which would receive technical assistance and support to establish local, coordinated networks of care for the low-income uninsured. The Duke Endowment grant was awarded to AccessHealth Horry to establish a data-driven, provider network of care to connect local residents to medical homes and ensure timely, affordable, high-quality healthcare services to those struggling to manage their chronic diseases.
AccessHealth Horry began working with AccessHealth SC to develop a system to provide the continuum of healthcare services people needed regardless of job status or income level. From preventive care to managing chronic diseases, a small start-up staff of five individuals began assisting clients with linking their health care needs to available community resources as a case management/coordination of care organization. In the first year, AccessHealth Horry received more than 268 referrals and 177 clients. By the end of 2015, AccessHealth Horry grew to a staff of nine and a client base of more than 2,500 patients.
AccessHealth Horry began working with AccessHealth SC to develop a system to provide the continuum of healthcare services people needed regardless of job status or income level. From preventive care to managing chronic diseases, a small start-up staff of five individuals began assisting clients with linking their health care needs to available community resources as a case management/coordination of care organization. In the first year, AccessHealth Horry received more than 268 referrals and 177 clients. By the end of 2015, AccessHealth Horry grew to a staff of nine and a client base of more than 2,500 patients.
Access Health SC Advisory Panel
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The following stakeholders provide insight, oversight and guidance to AccessHealth SC through their participation in various committees.
- South Carolina Hospital Association, 1000 Center Point Road Columbia, SC 29210 |