www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 35 The state collects data on health disparities, where they exist and how they affect a community’s health. Dr. Simmer challenges his staff daily: “Now how do we turn data into things we can change?” DHEC has employed successful strategies including educational programs like ABCs of Safe Sleep for Infants and a robust newborn screening program that evaluates newborns for 54 disorders. But much more needs to be done to close the gaps in health outcomes. Dr. Simmer said access to prenatal care is a major driver of health disparities in rural communities. “Patients need care at a location they can get to, when and where they need it. A lot of patients do not have good transportation to reach a provider, and 14 counties in the state do not have a gynecologist,” he said. Telehealth is one strategy that providers and facilities are expanding, but broadband access is still an issue in some areas. Another option the state is exploring is the use of mobile OB-GYN services because, Dr. Simmer said, “We need to bring care into communities where it doesn’t exist today.” CHRONIC DISEASES Data shows that racial and ethnic minorities across South Carolina experience higher rates of illness and death from chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma and heart disease, when compared to their white counterparts. Dr. Simmer believes that the lack of access to both education and treatment contribute to these gaps. According to the CDC, communities can help prevent health disparities when community- and faith-based organizations, employers, health care systems and others work together. Dr. Simmer concurs: “We work with many local, trusted organizations because they know the community best, and people will listen when health education is led by someone they can trust.” Dr. Ford believes that part of the solution to addressing disparities is to mentor young adults from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds as they train to become the next generation of health care practitioners and public health professionals. With a greater understanding of health disparities and ways to address these gaps, residents will have the chance to help achieve the vision of the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina: to give all South Carolinians the opportunity to achieve their optimal level of health and well-being.
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