Healthcare Access in Williamsburg County
An interactive analysis of key challenges to access to care in the Pee Dee region.
The Five Pillars of Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare in rural communities like Williamsburg County is critical. We can understand it better by looking at four key pillars. Click each tab below to explore the data-driven challenges facing the county in each area.
Pillar I: Health Insurance Coverage
Williamsburg County faces distinct coverage hurdles. While reliance on safety-net programs is high, a significant portion of the working-age population remains in the "coverage gap." Medicaid enrollment among children is particularly high, reflecting the economic demographics of the area.
Pillar II: Workforce & Availability
Unlike some neighbors, Williamsburg County has a hospital presence, yet provider density remains low. The opening of the new MUSC Health Black River Medical Center provides a critical anchor, but the area relies heavily on HopeHealth (FQHC) for primary care to bridge the gap.
The shortage of locally based specialists forces many residents to travel to Florence or Charleston for advanced care. Transportation remains a barrier, though local transit and FQHC shuttles help mitigate this for some residents.
Pillar III: Utilization & Timeliness
Utilization metrics show a system where chronic conditions often escalate to emergencies. The rate of preventable hospital stays is significantly higher than the state average, indicating challenges in accessing timely preventative care or managing chronic diseases effectively.
With 2,913 preventable stays per 100k, Williamsburg County exceeds the rates of many peer counties, underscoring the vital need for the expanded primary care capacity provided by the new medical center and community health centers.
Pillar IV: Affordability
High poverty rates in Williamsburg County make affordability a primary determinant of health. Many families must choose between daily necessities and medical costs, leading to skipped doses of medication or delayed appointments.
Rising costs hit harder here than in urban centers. Regional data suggests roughly 16% of adults may avoid care due to cost, complicating efforts to manage widespread chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Pillar V: Local Investment
Williamsburg County depends on a mix of state, federal, and hospital system investment. HopeHealth brings significant federal dollars (Section 330 funding) into the community, while the new MUSC partnership represents a major capital investment in the region's future.