SC Office of Rural Health
Taking action to promote rural health
As the sole organization federally designated to address the health of South Carolinians who live in rural communities, the South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) aims to close gaps in services and reduce barriers to access. In 2017, SCORH became 1000 Feathers’ first client, and the relationship continues today.
The first of many projects over the past six years was the development of the South Carolina Rural Health Action Plan. This 18-month collaboration involved the establishment of a 51-member task force, a statewide community needs assessment, and a detailed plan to address six focus areas: access to healthcare, community assets, leadership and engagement, economic development, education, and housing.
Working as a virtual extension of the SCORH team, 1000 Feathers is now assisting with the implementation of many of the 55 action steps outlined in the plan. Rural Forward employs a data-driven approach to solving problems by monitoring the action steps according to specific measures of success.
In addition, 1000 Feathers has led the effort to transform the culture of SCORH itself. As a result, employees are now engaging with each other more collaboratively and are thinking more broadly about their work and their connections to the communities they serve.
COLUMBIA, SC: 1000 Feathers’ longest-running client first engaged the firm in 2017 to co-create the South Carolina Rural Health Action Plan. The plan included the voices of over 50 stakeholders and analyzed statewide data on the social drivers of health for rural communities. Branded as Rural Forward, the plan is now in the implementation phase and has become South Carolina’s road map for bridging the chasm between rural and urban residents’ life expectancy and overall health.
“One thing I found most helpful about the process 1000 Feathers took us through is they understand how to think a couple of steps down the road.”
— Dr. Graham Adams, CEO, South Carolina Office of Rural Health