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Health Service in SC Highlights Need for Outreach in Underserved Populations

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Monday, June 19, 2023   

In celebration of Juneteenth, one South Carolina organization is shining a spotlight on health equity for all communities - and showcasing their efforts in their local area.

Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services was founded in Beaufort County in the 1960s, by community members to address sanitation and health issues.

While health concerns have evolved, Dr. Faith Polkey - President and CEO - emphasized that tackling public health challenges remains at the core of the health center's mission to deliver positive outcomes for underserved communities.

"So having health care that has a good quality, that's affordable, accessible and comprehensive, that's a part of our mission," said Polkey. "And it is important to be able to improve the health of the entire community."

According to Polkey, their strong focus on underserved populations in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton is instrumental in promoting the overall well being and health in the area.

Polkey also emphasized their key initiatives, which aim to improve maternal and child health, provide dental services, and cater to the increased mental health-care needs - as well as provide support for the opioid epidemic.

To directly target and engage communities in need of health-care services, she said one key factor is community engagement.

She cited the importance of utilizing community health workers, a method Polkey said played a significant role in the organization's formation and approach to care.

"So we've been using community health workers for probably over 15 years with our Spanish-speaking population," said Polkey. "And then, also more recently, to do outreach with our patients who have hypertension and diabetes, and providing that support."

Polkey said she wants the organization's community outreach to motivate others to actively engage with their most vulnerable communities and deliver improved health-care solutions.

Beaufort County is ranked as the healthiest among all 46 counties in South Carolina by the Niche.com County Health Rankings - an achievement Polkey attributed to their efforts to connect with everyone.

More information is online at DirectRelief.org.


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