IMPH recognizes 11 legislators during a reception on March 3

Press release: health policy fellows recognized by the s. C. Institute of medicine and public health 1
2021 Health Policy Fellows

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 22, 2022) — Members of the South Carolina General Assembly have been recognized as the newest class of Health Policy Fellows by the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH). The 11 elected officials were participants in the fall 2021 Health Policy Fellows Program, offered by IMPH and supported by The Duke Endowment and the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. The program is a nonpartisan initiative that provides evidence-based information on health and health care policy issues in South Carolina. The Fellows were recognized during a reception in downtown Columbia on March 3.

“The Fellows Program provides a unique forum for legislators to discuss health and health care issues with national and state experts in a politically neutral setting. The conversations directly support their work as elected officials as they grapple with complex issues affecting health outcomes,” says IMPH Executive Director Maya Pack. “The Fellows demonstrate a commitment to learning about those issues that affect the health and quality of life of everyone who lives in the Palmetto State.” 

Those in attendance at the reception included members of the IMPH team and alumni of the program. Each Fellow was presented a certificate of recognition by Pack.

“Having a better understanding of the health care issues that impact South Carolinians most is critical to finding solutions that work,” says Representative Sylleste Davis (R-100). IMPH is an important resource that serves us, as members of the General Assembly, with evidence-based information in a nonpartisan manner to inform health policy decisions.”

The Fellows Program highlights the importance of considering health implications as factors across all policy decisions and is intended to assist elected officials by providing resources and information related to complex health topics. The Fellows Program uses national and South Carolina-based experts to inform sessions focused on outlining the challenges and opportunities to improve health in South Carolina; improving the return on investment in health systems and financing; and using a practical framework for engaging in open, balanced and effective dialogue.  

“Last fall I was finishing my certificate in health care leadership at Duke while simultaneously participating in the Fellows Program,” says Representative Shedron Williams (D-122). “And what I learned over the course of the program helped me graduate number one in my class.”

Since the Fellows Program was founded in 2013, IMPH has recognized 65 Fellows from five offerings of the program. Learn more about the Fellows Program at https://imph.org/health-policy-fellows-program/.

2021 Fellows:

  • Rep. Terry Alexander (D-59)  
  • Rep. Wendy Brawley (D-70) 
  • Rep. Sylleste Davis (R-100) 
  • Rep. Raye Felder (R-26)
  • Rep. Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers (D-31)
  • Rep. Annie E. McDaniel (D-41)
  • Rep. Chardale R. Murray (D-116)
  • Rep. Mark Smith (R-99)
  • Rep. Deon Tedder (D-109)
  • Rep. Elizabeth “Spencer” Wetmore (D-115)
  • Rep. Shedron Williams (D-122)
Press release: health policy fellows recognized by the s. C. Institute of medicine and public health 3
Left to right: Yair Centeno, Brie Hunt, Maya Pack and Hunter Sox from IMPH

About IMPH

The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to collectively inform policy to improve health and health care in South Carolina. In conducting its work, IMPH takes a comprehensive approach to advancing health issues through data analysis and translation and collaborative engagement. IMPH seeks to achieve its mission by convening a diverse group of stakeholders around health issues important to South Carolina. Learn more at https://imph.org/.

About The Duke Endowment

Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $4 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations. Learn more at https://www.dukeendowment.org/

About the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. In response to God’s call and the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, the Foundation strategically uses resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership. Since its inception in 1996, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has distributed nearly $81 million to over 3,100 nonprofits working to reduce poverty in the lives of individuals and families in the Palmetto State. Learn more at https://sistersofcharitysc.com/.

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