GAFFNEY, S.C. (courtesy limestone.edu) — Limestone University will host its inaugural Rural Healthcare Summit on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Hines & Riggins Center.
The object of the panel discussion will be to identify the rural health challenges facing Cherokee County and the surrounding area.
Organizations with representatives taking part include Center for Family Medicine – Peachview, Cherokee County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Cherokee Medical Center, Cherokee County School District, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), KNOW(2), National Alliance on Mental Illness (Spartanburg Area), Palmetto Patriots Home, ReGenesis Health Care, South Carolina Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and South Carolina Office of Rural Health.
“Access to healthcare services is critical to good health, yet rural residents face a variety of access barriers. For our first summit, we have asked our presenters to share some of their challenges to spur conversation and networking. We can then plan future events to collaboratively study and address specific issues,” said Dr. Amber Williams, who serves as Limestone’s Associate Professor of Nursing.
The summit, being co-sponsored by Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas, will coincide with National Rural Health Week, coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, that will culminate with National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 17, which is an opportunity to honor the selfless, community-minded, and determined spirit that prevails in rural America. National Rural Health Day showcases the efforts of rural healthcare providers, organizations and cooperatives, state offices of rural health, and stakeholders from various industry sectors dedicated to addressing social determinants of health and the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face.
“In order for rural residents to have sufficient access, necessary and appropriate healthcare services must be available and obtainable in a timely manner,” said Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker. “We look forward to bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders to network and learn from one another at Limestone’s upcoming summit.”
For more information on Limestone’s upcoming Rural Healthcare Summit, visit limestone.edu/rural-healthcare.
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