BAMBERG, SC—Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), a non-profit telehealth organization, was recently awarded the National Cooperative of Health Networks Association’s (NCHN) 2021 Outstanding Health Network award.
The NCHN Outstanding Health Network of the Year Award recognizes any network or entire network organization that has improved access to health services in its service area and coordination of resources for network members through innovative, comprehensive approaches.
“Palmetto Care Connections was established in 2010 to improve access to care in rural and underserved communities by infusing health care services through telehealth technologies. This was important because of increasing difficulties in recruiting providers of rural areas and the financial challenges facing many small hospitals. Over the years, Palmetto Care Connections has grown into a statewide telehealth network and the resulting scope of activities has continued to expand,” said NCHN Executive Director Linda K. Weiss.
“The leader of the South Carolina broadband consortium, Palmetto Care Connections assists health care providers in receiving broadband savings through the Federal Communication Commission’s Healthcare Connect Fund program. Since 2013, they have helped providers save more than $25 million in broadband costs. The network recently received a $17million FCC commitment to fund broadband for its consortium members over the next three years. These funds represent actual savings for health care providers,” said Weiss.
“Palmetto Care Connections co-chairs the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance, along with the Medical University of South Carolina, serving as an advocate for rural providers and partnering with organizations to improve health care access and delivery for all South Carolinians,” said Weiss.
“Palmetto Care Connections has been a member of NCHN since its inception and CEO Kathy Schwarting has been an active participant of the Association’s activities and events. On behalf the National Cooperative of Health Networks Association, I congratulate Palmetto Care Connections on receiving the 2021 Outstanding Health Network award,” said Weiss.
Incorporated in 1995, NCHN has developed into a nationally recognized professional membership organization for all types and sizes of health networks across the nation. NCHN is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. Member programs, benefits, and educational offerings are developed and provided by the members through participation on a variety of committees. Each spring, NCHN provides a two and a half-day educational conference for network leaders.
