2025 South Carolina State of Reform Health Policy Conference

Details coming soon.

Addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs) is an important step to improve access to care. This session will focus on innovative programs and collaborations that may benefit South Carolina. Experts will delve into the impact of education, income, and poverty on healthcare access, exploring how these social factors create barriers to care for many South Carolinians. This panel will explore these ongoing efforts, with a particular focus on the state’s South Carolina Roadmap, a collaborative effort to tackle HRSNs across the state. 

In this panel, experts will explore how new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and innovations are reshaping South Carolina’s health sector, focusing on strategies for adapting to these emerging technologies. Panelists will discuss best practices for mitigating the risks associated with AI integration, implementation and policy around health, and how to secure the sharing of health data across institutions. 

South Carolina faces significant maternal health challenges, with a higher-than-average maternal mortality rate and disparities in maternal care, especially among rural and underserved populations. In response, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and advocates are working together to implement innovative solutions that aim to improve maternal health outcomes across the state. This panel will explore the ongoing efforts to enhance access to quality maternal care, address racial and socioeconomic disparities, and develop a more supportive environment for expecting mothers. 

This panel will bring together experts in healthcare, public health, and community engagement to discuss effective strategies for improving population health and managing chronic diseases in South Carolina. Panelists will explore innovative approaches to chronic disease prevention, early detection, and management, focusing on enhancing access to care, promoting healthier lifestyles, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. 

South Carolina is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, compounded by an increasing demand for services and a shortage of hospital beds across the state. The growing need for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, has placed immense pressure on the system, affecting patient care and workforce sustainability. This panel will bring together experts to discuss strategies for addressing the state’s healthcare workforce challenges, including the ongoing efforts to expand full practice authority for nurses and the broader efforts to grow and retain healthcare professionals. 

South Carolina, like many states across the nation, continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the opioid crisis. Panelists will discuss effective strategies for opioid use prevention, including public awareness campaigns, prescription drug monitoring programs, and training for healthcare providers to identify and manage at-risk patients. The conversation will also focus on improving access to addiction treatment services, expanding harm reduction programs, and enhancing support systems for individuals in recovery. 

As federal health policies continue to evolve, South Carolina faces a complex and uncertain future in its healthcare system. This panel will explore the potential effects of recent and upcoming federal-level health policy changes on the state’s healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes. Speakers will analyze the impact of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, a federal effort aimed at reshaping the nation’s healthcare priorities. 

South Carolina faces a unique set of challenges in the prevention and management of communicable diseases, from seasonal flu outbreaks to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. This panel will discuss the state’s preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, the integration of emerging technologies in disease surveillance, and the efforts to address health disparities that disproportionately affect underserved communities. 

In South Carolina, the intersection of housing and healthcare presents both significant challenges and transformative opportunities for improving the health and well-being of residents. This panel will explore how integrating housing solutions into healthcare systems can address health-related social needs, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall health outcomes across the state. 

Hear from some of the most influential leaders on health policy reform in the South Carolina Legislature. These lawmakers will discuss the main takeaways from this year’s session, legislation they’re supporting, and the healthcare reform work they’re prioritizing moving forward

Details coming soon.