South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) spotlights the powerful role of telehealth in improving healthcare access and outcomes across South Carolina during Telehealth Awareness Week, observed Sept. 20–26. Throughout the week, SCETV will share stories from patients, families, clinicians and communities on-air and online.
Since 2016, SCETV has showcased stories of how telehealth is transforming care in the Palmetto State. As a member of the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance, SCETV works alongside organizations across the state to highlight the ways telehealth is helping connect South Carolinians with care and resources.
In recognition of these advancements, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared Sept. 20–26 as Telehealth Awareness Week in South Carolina.
During the week, viewers will see patient vignettes illustrating the impact of telehealth on individuals, families and communities. In Lake City, Betsy Graham uses remote patient monitoring to track her blood pressure following an AFib diagnosis, allowing her healthcare team to monitor her health between in-person visits. Other stories highlight how e-consults are helping pediatric patients access specialists without lengthy referral times or travel to larger cities.
Telehealth is also helping address barriers to care for older adults. In Bamberg and surrounding communities, Palmetto Care Connections’ Palmetto Connect program provides free digital literacy training to help seniors build confidence using internet-enabled devices, email, video calls and telehealth. Additional stories show how technology can help address social isolation among older adults.
School-based telehealth is also helping remove barriers for families in rural South Carolina. In Bamberg County, students can receive primary, acute, specialty and behavioral health services at school, including pediatric orthopedic care. The program helps students avoid unnecessary travel and allows parents to spend less time away from work.
In addition, SCETV will publish a new video during Telehealth Awareness Week featuring stroke telerehabilitation occupational therapy, a program that expands access to occupational therapy for stroke survivors across South Carolina. More than 50% of stroke survivors in South Carolina live more than 30 minutes from a primary stroke center. Telerehabilitation helps remove the burden of travel and improve access to stroke recovery care.
A news story featuring Sonja Ebeling, director of the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance, will also highlight the broader role of telehealth in expanding access to care across the state. Additional stories about the impact of telehealth can be heard on SC Public Radio throughout the week and are available online at
The stories and vignettes highlighted above, along with additional telehealth stories, are available online at SCETV.org/telehealth, with additional stories also airing on SC Public Radio throughout the week. To participate in Telehealth Awareness Week and share a telehealth story, join the conversation on social media using #TelehealthAwareness or connect online at facebook.com/mytelehealth.
QUOTES
Telehealth is changing the way South Carolinians access care, particularly for those who live in rural and underserved communities. By sharing these stories, SCETV is helping show how technology can connect patients with providers, specialists and resources while making care more accessible.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Telehealth is about more than technology. It is about creating connections between patients and the care they need. These stories show how remote monitoring, e-consults, digital literacy and school-based care can help remove barriers and improve the healthcare experience for South Carolinians.” –SCETV Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations Tabitha Safdi
“Every community has different healthcare needs, and telehealth can help meet people where they are. From a patient monitoring her health at home to a child receiving care at school, these stories demonstrate the meaningful difference telehealth can make in people’s everyday lives.” –SCETV Multimedia Specialist for Telehealth Joy Bonala
FAST FACTS
- SCETV spotlights role of telehealth in South Carolina during Telehealth Awareness Week.
- SCETV has partnered with the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance to highlight the impact of telehealth in South Carolina.
- Join the Telehealth Awareness Week conversation on social media using #TelehealthAwareness.
- Learn more about telehealth online at facebook.com/mytelehealth or by visiting SCETV.org/telehealth.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
