August 17, 2021

The Importance of Community Health Centers in South Carolina

With millions of Americans struggling to pay health care costs, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have become a vital part of societal wellbeing. 

Community health care centers keep the public safe and healthy while giving patients affordable medical care. Facilities like the Fetter Health Care Network are particularly important in areas around South Carolina in which many people are struggling financially.

What Do Community Health Centers Provide?

Community health centers are important because they provide a number of medical, dental and behavioral health services to patients without the high expenses of traditional clinics. 

FQHC facilities offer affordable payment for low-income households, with options like sliding-fee scales. For many people in the community, medical care would be inaccessible without options like these.

Fetter offers a wide range of medical services to the community including, but not limited to, the following:

• Primary care visits
• Annual physicals
• Family planning
• Immunizations
• Internal medicine
• Diagnostic laboratory testing
• Pediatric preventive care
• Well-child visits
• Developmental assessments
• ADHD and autism screenings
• Asthma screenings
• Obstetric services
• Cervical cancer screenings
• STI testing and treatment
• Behavioral health assessments
• Mental illness treatment

Centers like Fetter also offer dental services, including annual teeth cleanings, fillings, extractions, emergency dental care and more.

South Carolina and Affordable Health Care

As of 2017, more than 15% of South Carolina residents were living below the poverty line. The difficulty of getting proper medical care causes these residents to have the highest incidence of health issues. This is usually the result of poor finances and a lack of medical facilities in their area. 

For this reason, community health centers have become increasingly important in states like South Carolina. With these centers, medical services become more accessible and affordable for the entire community.

Community health care centers like Fetter are crucial for South Carolina residents, particularly those who live in the most rural areas. As of 2018, an estimated 20% of people living in rural areas received their medical care from a community health center. Without FQHCs, residents would not receive the medical care that they need. This would lead to a higher incidence of serious health concerns and mortality for rural community members.

For some residents, FQHCs are the only medical facilities within a reasonable distance of their homes. For many, FQHCs are the only affordable medical facilities within a reasonable distance. This makes it all the more vital to have quality community health centers in states with rural communities.

Receiving Medical Care at Fetter Health Care Network

If you are in need of affordable medical care in the Lowcountry, look no further than Fetter Health Care Network. Fetter is the oldest federally qualified health center in the state, providing quality health and dental services for over 53 years. 

At Fetter, we offer medical services to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. With various clinics throughout Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties, residents from almost any area of the Lowcountry can reach a Fetter clinic for medical care. For more information, request an appointment today.

 

August 3, 2021

Fetter Health Care Network celebrates National Health Center Week, August 8 – 14

Fetter Health Care Network (Fetter), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), announced it will be taking part in National Health Center Week August 8 through 14, a national celebration for community health centers in the U.S. Throughout the week, Fetter’s team will hold special celebrations honoring patients, community members, its staff and more.

“Each year, we are honored to take part in National Health Center Week, emphasizing the importance of community health centers throughout our nation,” said Aretha R. Powers, DHA, CEO of Fetter. “From celebrating our patients to honoring our dedicated health care heroes, this week shines a light on the value of FQHCs here in the Lowcountry and beyond.”

This annual week-long event is hosted by the National Association of Community Health Centers and the Health Center Advocacy Network. The celebratory week seeks to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers, featuring a different theme each day that recognizes the positive impact health centers bring to U.S. communities.

For this year’s celebration, Fetter will be hosting a variety of events and initiatives to commemorate each day:

• Sunday, August 8 – Public Health in Housing Day – Fetter is serving friends and neighbors in nearby public housing communities. (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
• Monday, August 9 – Healthcare for the Homeless Day – Exams and screenings will be provided through Fetter’s mobile care unit and its Case Management team will offer prizes, giveaways and health education opportunities. (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Tuesday, August 10 – Agricultural Worker Health Day – Fetter is serving migrant workers and families in the Colleton County area. (4 – 7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, August 11 – Patient Appreciation Day – Patients will receive snacks, prizes and giveaways. (12 – 1:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, August 12 – Stakeholder Appreciation Day – Fetter’s board of directors will be honored at each of its locations. (12 – 1:30 p.m.)
• Friday, August 13 – Health Center Staff Appreciation Day – Team members will be recognized through certificates of appreciation, gifts and giveaways. (12 – 2 p.m.)
• Saturday, August 14 – Children’s Health Day – Fetter will host a Back-to-School Bash at Gethsemani Community Center (2449 Beacon St. Charleston, SC) from 1 – 5 p.m., featuring prizes, giveaways, food, COVID-19 vaccines, health exams and more.

“This year’s celebration will end with a community-wide event at Gethsemani Community Center,” said Powers. “Our Back-to-School Bash will be fun for families of all ages and we’ll be distributing school supplies, COVID-19 vaccines and offering other educational opportunities as we look forward to the school year.”

A large focus of National Health Center Week is emphasizing the value that community health centers bring to communities year-round, spanning beyond COVID-19 efforts.

“Many of our community members have come to recognize the Fetter name through our COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts over the past year and a half,” said Dr. Powers. “It’s our honor to serve our community in this capacity throughout the pandemic. We also want our community members to know our services go far beyond COVID-19 and that we are your one-stop shop for all of your health care needs year-round.”

For more information on Fetter’s National Health Center Week’s efforts, follow along on the organization’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To learn more about Fetter’s health care services, visit FetterHealthCare.org.

August 2, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Facts

After more than a year of lockdowns, the country is finally getting back to normal, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine. Businesses are re-opening and people are reuniting with their family members again.

While it’s clear the vaccine is paving the way back to normalcy, there are still many people who have reservations about getting it. Before getting your COVID-19 vaccine at Fetter Health Care Network, get the answers to common questions and concerns below.

How Was the COVID-19 Vaccine Made?

When the COVID-19 outbreak began in early 2020, vaccine manufacturers received emergency funding to begin rapid vaccine development. While vaccines typically take about two years to develop, the COVID vaccine was finished in six months, undergoing expedited safety and efficacy trials.

Thanks to decades of research on the human genome and viruses like SARS, scientists were able to create the spike proteins that the coronavirus uses to break into cells. These spike proteins are a key ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine.

Administered through vaccination, these proteins induce an immune response that defends an individual against COVID-19.

Does It Protect Me from Getting COVID-19? 

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are shown to be about 95% effective at preventing COVID-19, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is about 66% effective at preventing COVID-19 infections.

In the unlikely event that you contract COVID after receiving the vaccine, all three variations will reduce the severity of symptoms. This has decreased nationwide COVID-related hospitalizations and mortality rates.

Does the Vaccine Prevent Me from Spreading COVID-19?

Yes, all three vaccines can reduce the spread of COVID-19. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will significantly reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus to vulnerable or immunocompromised people. For this reason, it is recommended you receive the vaccine before being around vulnerable loved ones.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

The biggest concern that many people have about the COVID-19 vaccine is its safety. While the vaccine was manufactured using an expedited development process, it received all of the same required safety trials that any other vaccine would.

Since its initial rollout to the public, there has been a low incidence of serious vaccine reactions. There have been some cases of myocarditis in younger individuals, which are currently being investigated. Otherwise, the vaccines are believed to be extremely safe for the majority of the public.

Some people may feel mildly ill with headache or fatigue for a day after receiving their vaccine, but very few people have reported severe illness due to the vaccination.

It is worth noting that some people may have adverse reactions to any kind of vaccination due to underlying medical issues. If you have pre-existing conditions that increase your likelihood of an adverse reaction, discuss vaccination with your doctor beforehand.

COVID-19 Vaccines at Fetter Health Care Network

Fetter Health Care Network is currently offering the Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at various clinics throughout the Lowcountry area. To receive more info, visit www.FetterCovid19Screening.org.

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