South Carolina Public Radio reports that MUSC received an HRSA grant for telehealth aimed at improving rural behavioral health care in South Carolina.
Grant reported for rural behavioral health care
South Carolina Public Radio reported that MUSC received a $1.75 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA. According to the source, the grant is intended to use telehealth to improve behavioral health care in rural parts of South Carolina.
The report identifies telehealth as the approach supported by the grant but does not describe specific services, patient eligibility, participating locations, or a timeline for the work. South Carolina Public Radio also does not report patient outcomes connected with the grant.
Psychiatrist availability cited as a concern
Dr. Andrew Alkis told South Carolina Public Radio that 17 of South Carolina’s 46 counties have no psychiatrist. The figure highlights a reported gap in psychiatrist availability across a substantial share of the state’s counties.
South Carolina Public Radio presented that shortage alongside the new HRSA grant for telehealth and rural behavioral health care. The source does not specify which of the 17 counties may be included in grant-supported work or how telehealth services would be arranged in those areas.
Rural population is a central part of the report
According to Dr. Alkis, as reported by South Carolina Public Radio, 32% of South Carolina residents are rural. The source links the state’s rural population with the effort to improve behavioral health care through telehealth.
The report does not say whether the grant will serve all rural counties, all rural residents, or particular communities. It also does not provide information about referrals, insurance coverage, appointment availability, or which types of behavioral health professionals may take part.
What this means for South Carolina patients
South Carolina Public Radio’s report points to a grant-supported telehealth effort focused on rural behavioral health care, while also noting that some South Carolina counties have no psychiatrist. People seeking treatment locally can use the directory, which lists 35 published clinics in South Carolina, to identify available options and ask providers about services and access.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More South Carolina reporting on rural access.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.