News

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

World Immunization Week, observed April 24–30, is a global reminder that vaccines save lives—and access to them should never depend on where you live. At Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), we’re proud to support efforts that make immunizations more accessible for rural communities across South Carolina. 

Vaccines protect people of all ages from serious, preventable diseases. According to the World Health Organization, immunizations have saved 6 lives every minute since 1974. But in many rural areas, challenges like transportation, internet access, and fewer healthcare providers can make it harder for people to stay up to date on their shots. That’s where PCC comes in. 

Through digital literacy classes, device lending programs, and rural access sites, we help bridge the gap between underserved communities and the healthcare resources they need—including vaccinations. By empowering people to connect with providers online, schedule appointments, and access accurate health information, we’re making it easier to protect entire families. 

PCC also works closely with healthcare and community partners to support mobile vaccine clinics and other outreach efforts that bring care directly to rural areas. 

This World Immunization Week, we encourage everyone to check their vaccine status, support loved ones in accessing care and share trusted information. Together, we can ensure every South Carolinian—no matter where they live—has a fair shot at a healthier future. 

By Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Say hello to Riley Van Coutren, a dedicated Project Coordinator at Palmetto Care Connections!  

Riley plays a key role in maintaining and monitoring project plans for the Palmetto State Providers Network Consortium. From attending meetings 📝 and documenting important decisions to managing project deadlines⏳and facilitating discussions 🤝, Riley ensures that every project adheres to frameworks and meets its goals. 

🎓 One memorable moment in Riley’s journey at PCC was teaching a Digital Inclusion class in Williamsburg County, where a participant later shared how the skills she learned helped her watch her grandson graduate college via Zoom. 

🌍 Riley was inspired to join PCC because of its commitment to creating positive change for communities across the state. 

🗣 The most rewarding part of Riley’s role is the collaborative environment, where every team member’s voice️ and ideas contribute to changing lives.  

A believer in the mantra “Change is the only constant,” Riley embraces growth and adaptability.  

✈️ Outside of work, Riley’s adventurous spirit shines through a love for traveling to new places and sampling unique cuisines 🍴 that can’t be found at home.  

Thank you, Riley, for your passion and dedication to making a difference! 

#MakingConnections #MeetOurTeam #PalmettoCareConnections 

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) CEO Kathy Schwarting and Chief Technology Officer Matt Hiatt recently met with SC Rep. Jeff Bradley (R-Beaufort County), chairman of the South Carolina Senate’s Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Committee. The meeting focused on PCC’s ongoing efforts to promote safe and accessible technology use across South Carolina.

During the conversation, Schwarting and Hiatt shared an overview of PCC’s mobile app and introduced SC Rep. Bradley to the Internet Safety Module, an educational tool that teaches users how to protect themselves while navigating the online world. This free, user-friendly course offers practical tips on recognizing online scams, creating strong passwords, and understanding privacy settings—key skills for anyone using the internet today.

SC Rep. Bradley expressed interest in the module’s potential to help bridge the digital literacy gap, particularly in rural and underserved communities. As chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Committee, he emphasized the importance of proactive cybersecurity education and praised PCC’s work in this area.

To explore the Internet Safety Module, visit: https://learn.palmettocareconnections.org/005-internet-safety/

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Meet Nicole Smoak, our creative Digital Design Specialist at Palmetto Care Connections! Nicole designs E-Learning modules for the PCC website and mobile app 📱💻, helping learners navigate telehealth calls, access personal health records through MyChart, stay safe online, and more. Her work empowers individuals to confidently use digital tools to manage their healthcare and daily lives 🌐. 

A memorable moment for Nicole was attending her first in-person training class. Learning about the challenges participants face while using digital devices inspired her to create modules tailored to their needs, making technology more accessible and user-friendly 💡. 

Nicole was drawn to PCC by the opportunity to design E-Learning tools that truly make a difference. The most rewarding part of her role is hearing from participants about how the modules have helped and benefited them ❤️. 

Guided by her mantra, “Do your best and learn from your mistakes,” Nicole continuously grows and improves to provide the best resources possible. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys playing Diablo 4, a fantasy game where players battle monsters to stop the corruption of the land 🎮. Through gaming, she’s connected with people from New Zealand, New York, Maine, and even Paris 🌍! 

Thank you, Nicole, for your dedication to making technology easier for everyone! 

#MakingConnections #MeetOurTeam #PalmettoCareConnections 

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Twenty-two Allendale County residents took a meaningful step toward greater digital inclusion on Friday, April 4, during a Digital Literacy Class hosted by Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) at the Allendale County Leisure Center in the town of Fairfax. The class was made possible through funding from the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA).

Before the training began, Dewan Smith, Director of the Allendale County Office on Aging, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of PCC’s programs in rural communities. He spoke about the strong partnership between the center and PCC and encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the telehealth cart located at the facility.

Led by PCC Digital Literacy Manager Ashley Parra, the class covered essential computer and internet skills to help participants navigate today’s digital world. From sending an email to learning how to safely browse the internet and connect with healthcare providers via telehealth, the session was packed with practical, easy-to-follow instruction.

“Many of our participants came in unsure of how to use a computer or smartphone but left with new confidence and a stronger understanding of how to take advantage of digital resources,” said Parra.

For communities like Fairfax—where access to high-speed internet and digital devices can be limited—PCC’s efforts continue to play a critical role in closing the digital divide. The class also helped participants understand how telehealth services can improve access to care, especially in areas where healthcare options may be scarce.

PCC’s Digital Literacy Program continues to expand its reach across South Carolina, equipping residents with the skills they need to connect, communicate, and care for their health more effectively.

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Palmetto Care Connections team members recently joined healthcare leaders and advocates from across the state at the Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare’s (CRPH) 5th Annual Meeting, held on April 3, 2025, at the Pastides Alumni Center in Columbia, SC.

The event, designed to bring together CRPH partners for a day of learning, networking, and meaningful discussion, offered an opportunity for participants to share ideas and explore strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.

Caroline Warren, Liz Saitz, and Matt Hiatt represented PCC at the meeting, along with Bretta Kittrell, FNP, from Bamberg Family Practice. The team engaged in a full day of programming, which included attending insightful panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on rural healthcare innovation, workforce development, and community partnerships.

Through these sessions, our team members gained valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing South Carolina’s rural healthcare providers and explored new ways to collaborate with fellow CRPH partners to drive progress in rural health.

PCC is proud to be part of the ongoing conversation around rural healthcare and looks forward to applying the knowledge and connections gained at this year’s annual meeting to support our mission of connecting rural communities to quality care through technology and innovation.

By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a vital time to reflect on how alcohol use impacts individuals, families, and communities, and to promote healthier choices, support, and access to care.

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) understands that alcohol misuse doesn’t just affect physical health—it can also deeply impact mental wellness, relationships, and overall quality of life. In rural areas, where access to behavioral health and substance use treatment can be limited, it’s even more critical to bridge the gap with innovative, community-focused solutions.

This April, in observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, PCC is spotlighting an important initiative: Mom’s IMPACTT—IMProving Access to Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care Through Telemedicine and Tele-Mentoring.
Mom’s IMPACTT is a mental health and substance use disorder resource and referral program for people who are pregnant or within 12 months postpartum, and for any healthcare provider caring for a pregnant or postpartum person.

Alcohol use during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have serious consequences, and access to supportive, non-judgmental care is essential. Programs like Mom’s IMPACTT provide the vital connection between rural families and the specialized care they need—using telehealth to overcome geographic and transportation barriers.

This Alcohol Awareness Month, let’s continue having open, supportive conversations around alcohol use, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect people with the care they deserve.

To learn more about Mom’s IMPACTT, visit:
🔗 https://muschealth.org/medical-services

By Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

At Palmetto Care Connections, our work is rooted in the belief that better health begins right here in our own communities. That’s why we’re proud to join the national observance of National Public Health Week, taking place April 7–13, 2025. Now in its 30th year, this week is a time to celebrate the progress made in public health—and to recommit to the work that still lies ahead.

The theme for 2025, “It Starts Here,” reflects what we see every day in our efforts across South Carolina: health improvements begin with simple, local action. Whether it’s teaching someone how to use a tablet for a virtual doctor visit or providing a reliable connection point in a rural community, we know lasting change starts by removing the barriers that keep people from accessing care.

This year’s public health priorities include strengthening the healthcare workforce, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and building community resilience. These goals align with PCC’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps through innovation, education, and collaboration. As we continue expanding broadband access, offering digital literacy classes, and providing telehealth access sites in rural communities, we’re doing our part to make healthcare more accessible for all South Carolinians.

Public health wins don’t happen overnight—but over time, with strong partnerships and consistent support, they change lives. At PCC, we’re proud to be part of the movement to create healthier, more connected communities—not just during Public Health Week, but every day.

To learn more about National Public Health Week and how you can take part, visit nphw.org.