Lexington, SC 04/16/2021 - The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of South Carolina (“Molina”), is partnering with the South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) of Lexingon, SC to expand COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment and vaccination efforts in Union County. MolinaCares is providing the nonprofit organization with a $27,500 grant that will also increase equitable access to immunizations through the pandemic and beyond.
“Addressing and eventually ending this pandemic requires a collective effort and we are committed to doing our part to make it possible to have easier access to both antibody treatments and the vaccine,” said Dora Wilson, plan president of Molina Healthcare of South Carolina. “Ensuring that everyone is able to receive their COVID-19 vaccines is a critical part of fighting this disease and we are pleased that this partnership will reduce access disparities for our neighbors in the Upstate.”
Through this collaboration, MolinaCares and SCORH will fund a mobile health unit for Primary Care of Union. The vehicle will be used for reaching rural areas that lack access to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment and COVID-19 vaccines. The unit will also provide additional immunizations throughout the year, such as the annual flu vaccine.
“This partnership will allow my practice to help my patients overcome transportation and technology barriers so that they can access information and schedule appointments for the services they need,” said Tina Fowler, APRN and owner of Primary Care of Union.
Data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) shows that the state’s successful monoclonal antibody program is reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths.
“We are excited that this collaboration will increase rural access to both COVID-19 treatment and vaccines, as well as other immunizations year-round, which will support preventative care for these communities in the long term,” said Graham Adams, chief executive officer of SCORH. “This initiative was Tina Fowler’s idea and exemplifies the energy and passion she has for meeting the short-term and long-term health needs of her community.”
South Carolina residents can visit https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/ to find a vaccine location.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right: Graham Adams, chief executive officer of South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH); Shannon Chambers, director of provider solutions of SCORH; Dr. Greg Barabell, medical director of Molina Healthcare of South Carolina; Patrick Fowler, office manager of Primary Care of Union; Tina Fowler, nurse practitioner and owner of Primary Care of Union; Dora Wilson, plan president of Molina Healthcare of South Carolina; and Jennifer Marze, associate vice president of health plan engagement at Molina Healthcare of South Carolina. The MolinaCares Accord, in partnership with Molina Healthcare of South Carolina, presented a $27,500 donation that will expand COVID-19 treatment and vaccination efforts in Union County.
