The center grew out of a partnership between the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the state's Department of Health and Human Services. The USC School of Medicine established the S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare in 2017 in an effort to expand programs for training, recruiting and retaining primary care physicians in South Carolina’s rural and underserved areas as well as enhance service to rural patients.
The center is supported in its mission by key stakeholders with broad representation from rural and primary health care in South Carolina, including the South Carolina Office of Rural Health, the South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the S.C. Primary Healthcare Association as well as state educational institutions and community representatives.
Our Impact
- 19,691+ patients served through all CRPH programs in the annual year 2023-2024.
- 1.2 million + miles of travel avoided for families seeking care since 2017.
- 1,113 professionals received additional training to better serve rural communities.
- 1,210 people were engaged through screenings, service referrals, health education, and healthy food initiatives.
- 15,245 patients received care locally through iCARE and Mobile Health Unit programs.