Press Release: South Carolina and Georgia Receive Failing Grade in Maternal and Infant Health
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – A new report from the March of Dimes grades South Carolina and Georgia with an "F" in maternal and infant health. The report highlights serious accessibility issues faced by expectant mothers and infants in these states.
Andrea Randall, a mother from Hart County, GA, currently travels 40 minutes to Seneca, SC, for her daughter’s pediatric appointments, expressing frustration that securing care is so challenging, even with insurance. Hart County is among 63 in Georgia lacking a pediatrician, forcing families to travel significant distances for essential healthcare.
Dr. Carey Gully, a local pediatrician, acknowledges the struggle, recalling her own childhood experiences with long travel to medical facilities. Adding to the problem, vital labor and delivery services have closed in Laurens, SC, leaving mothers like Julie Crowe to traverse up to 50 minutes to the nearest hospital—risky during emergencies.
Data indicates a 62% higher risk of pregnancy-related death for mothers in rural areas. With rising populations but insufficient medical professionals, local health experts advocate for incentives to attract providers to underserved regions. Proposed solutions involve improving access to care, expanding reimbursement programs, and reducing transportation barriers for high-risk mothers.
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