Creative new partnership solves public transit challenge

In the field of medicine, innovation is often associated with state-of-the-art technology, cutting-edge equipment and next-generation devices. However, its true scope extends far beyond scientific advancements, including more cerebral efforts, such as continuous process improvement and creative problem-solving, both of which typically require team effort and innovative thinking to affect meaningful change. Such was the approach MUSC Health Black River Medical Center took to resolve a pressing transportation challenge faced by many people in the community – one that hindered their ability to receive vital medical care.

Shortly after the hospital was built, the challenge became patently obvious. “We immediately recognized the public transit desert would impact both our patients and Care Team members,” said Merrette Dowdell, MUSC External Affairs and Strategic Engagement.

Research showed that 69% of people living in Lake City and surrounding communities did not have direct access to necessary transportation. Dowdell personally heard anecdotes of people in the community resorting to creative workarounds, including an individual who arrived for a doctor’s appointment on a lawnmower.

MUSC Health Black River Medical Center formed a multifaceted partnership with HopeHealth, Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority and Williamsburg County Transit System.

“It was through the collective minds of these different entities that we were able to plan for the short term, to offset the need for transit at the Black River Medical Campus and the Lake City and Kingstree clinics and to appropriately design a route that could service all of Williamsburg County for the long term”, said Dowdell. “All four partners are looking to improve the lives of the people we serve. It is a shared mission.”

“With this new route, we celebrate a step toward closing the health equity gap and a huge step toward improving access to care in Lower Florence and Williamsburg communities,” said MUSC Health Black River Medical Center executive director Allen Abernethy. “This is about more than connecting people to places; it’s about connecting people to resources, opportunities, health and well-being.”

After 18 months of planning, as well as securing grant money and sustainable funding, the new bus route opened on Feb. 5. It connects with LakeTran at Walmart on Lake City’s current bus route before making the direct connection to Black River Medical Center. The route is free and makes five round trips Monday through Friday.

“We anticipate seeing a healthier community now that they have access to public transport,” Dowdell said.

The new bus route not only provides easier access to the hospital but also grocery stores and other beneficial resources.

“I am so thankful that we have a plan to address another social determinant of health that directly affects health outcomes in the Lower Florence County area and beyond,” said Benjamin Lamb, M.D., an MUSC Health Primary Care – Lake City physician.

The partnership is in its early stages. According to Dowdell, they plan to pursue new routes in the next six to nine months.

“We are proud to partner with MUSC to enhance the quality of life for Lake City residents and beyond,” said Don Strickland, Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority executive director. “Everyone benefits from breaking these transportation barriers.”