In response to the growing need for accessible health care in rural South Carolina, MUSC Health is developing a Primary Care Mobile Health pilot to serve Wagener and surrounding communities. This initiative follows the closure of Wagener's only medical center, leaving an estimated 7,000 residents in the Wagener-Salley area without a local option for medical care and requiring them to travel significant distances to receive services in Columbia, Lexington, Aiken, Augusta or Orangeburg.
MUSC Health initiated an evaluation to identify solutions for bringing primary care services to the area and after a feasibility study, the team determined that a mobile health unit - capable of reaching multiple underserved communities in the region - would be the most effective way to address local health care gaps.
"MUSC Health is committed to ensuring that all South Carolinians, regardless of where they live, have the health care resources they need," said Dr. Patrick Cawley, CEO of MUSC Health and Vice President for Health Affairs, University. "This mobile health pilot is expected to serve thousands of patients closer to their homes while exploring long-term solutions for improving rural health care access."
State Representative Bill Taylor (District 86) has been instrumental in advocating for Wagener-area residents and welcomed the project's progress. "I appreciate MUSC Health's leadership in finding an innovative way to restore primary care services in these communities," said Taylor. "While there's still work to be done, this is a crucial first step in ensuring that residents in Wagener and surrounding communities have reliable access to essential health care services."
State Senator Brad Hutto, a long-time champion and advocate for rural health care, represents Wagener and surrounding communities within Senate District 40. Hutto recognizes the potential that a collaboration with a larger health care system like MUSC Health brings, especially to underserved areas.
Since acquiring Orangeburg's former Regional Medical Center and its network of medical practices, MUSC Health has made notable progress in improving local health care options, including increased access to specialty care and enhanced telehealth services for rural communities. I look forward to the continued positive impact MUSC Health will bring to Wagener and the surrounding areas," Hutto said.
This initiative aligns with MUSC's strategic goal to empower healthy communities that includes collaborating to expand access to patient care, as well as exceeding patient and family expectations. By leveraging mobile health solutions, MUSC Health continues to advance its mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to all communities, regardless of geographic barriers.
The project is in its early stages, and further details, including a timeline for implementation and available services will be shared as planning progresses. In the coming months, MUSC Health will collaborate with community leaders and potential partners to maximize the program's reach and effectiveness.