May 2020
THE CONNECT
New and Expanded Flexibilities
for RHCs and FQHCs
New Payment Changes
On April 30, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released an announcement regarding payment changes for services provided by rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Click here for more information.

Check out the Center for Connected Health Policy's video to the right explaining the new policy changes.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Break the Stigma
1 in 5 people will experience a  mental health  condition. There are  #tools2thrive  that every person can use to help those who are struggling. Even in this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, many mental health services can be provided virtually through telehealth. Visit  scdmh.net  to find the nearest community mental health center. 
Mental and Behavioral Health Care Providers Respond to COVID-19 Using Telehealth
New! Webinar Special
May 13, 11am-12pm (EST)
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, this webinar will highlight how community mental health centers and behavioral health organizations are using telehealth to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.


South Carolina Broadband Maps
Broadband Access in SC
Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) and South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) partnered to commission a comprehensive evaluation of residential broadband capabilities throughout our state. As health care organizations, the goal was to determine the gaps in internet access as a first step to making improvements which could impact health care, especially telehealth. As a result, detailed maps were produced which depict the availability and speed of broadband access in each of our 46 counties.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected
SC Rural Health Clinics
Rural Health Clinic Survey Results
The South Carolina Office of Rural Health released survey results reflecting how rural health clinics in South Carolina have been affected by COVID-19. According to the survey, 90% of respondents are using telehealth to reach their patients.
PCC Team Expands
PCC Names Program Assistant
In her role, Ramona Midkiff provides administrative support to the CEO and department directors, implements financial processes, maintains financial records, and assists with marketing and education activities including website, social media, creative design, presentations and special events .

In the News