Speakers: Robert Kerr, Director, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS); Windsor Sherrill, Ph.D., MBA, MHA, Associate Vice President for Health Research, Clemson University, Chief Science Officer, Prisma Health – Upstate

This class helped participants better understand how the SC Medicaid system works. The class also included an overview of complex national and state level health care system structures and financing. Participants learned about and discussed changes that are occurring in our country as new philosophies emerge about how to pay for health care. Presenters addressed health care as a unique industry that does not adhere to basic economic theory.

Speakers: Joaquin Baca, MSPH, Sr. Policy Analyst, American Medical Association; Chynna Phillips, MSW, MPH, Research & Policy Director, Sisters of Charity Foundation; Noreen O’Donnell, MSW, Program Director, Diabetes Free S.C.; Angel Bourdon, MHA, Innovation Manager, Health People Healthy Carolinas, S.C. Hospital Association

This class oriented participants to the health status of South Carolinians, social determinants of health and racial and health inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants learned about and discussed the human and financial burden of poor health outcomes and innovative solutions being implemented in South Carolina and across the country.

Speaker: Craig Weber, Founder, The Weber Consulting Group

During the final class of the 2021 Health Policy Fellows Program, participants learned how to productively navigate polarizing issues using a practical framework for engaging in open, balanced and effective dialogue, including specific policy issues.