Healthcare

“Growing older populations will continue to tax the healthcare system.”

Participants see several strengths and opportunities in healthcare in Pickens County, but there was a good bit more pink than green on that sheet, indicating weaknesses and threats present in access to and availability of healthcare.

Strengths and Opportunities

• Telehealth services for special services
• Access to primary Greenville providers
• Great healthcare facilities in Pickens County—but no transportation system (public or private)
• Strong medical alliances, cancer centers, capabilities
• AnMed Health Cannon has some great doctors and employees

Threats and Weaknesses

• Needs stronger health systems
• Needs better access (public or private)
• Two close hospitals but no transportation
• Rural area
• Public mindset being closed
• Need to check local healthcare options–commonly a basis to refuse access
• Transport to appointments across county lines
• Mental health: addiction, suicide, professional counseling
• Current need to have access to routine medical care outside of 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Legisticare will not transport families to doctor visits—only the child with the appointment and one caregiver; sibling can’t go
• Need to have car seats available or permanently installed by a certified technician (infant, toddler/young child, booster seats)
• Lack of healthcare access in certain areas
• Lack of unified effort for healthcare