The MolinaCares Accord and South Carolina Office of Rural Health Expand COVID-19 Treatment and Vaccination Efforts in Union County

Media Contact: Justine dela Rosa, Justine.delaRosa1@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-528-5090

UNION, S.C., April 14, 2021 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of South Carolina (“Molina”), is partnering with the South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) to expand COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment and vaccination efforts in Union County. MolinaCares is providing the nonprofit organization with a $27,500 grant that will also increase equitable access to immunizations through the pandemic and beyond.

“Addressing and eventually ending this pandemic requires a collective effort and we are committed to doing our part to make it possible to have easier access to both antibody treatments and the vaccine,” said Dora Wilson, plan president of Molina Healthcare of South Carolina. “Ensuring that everyone is able to receive their COVID-19 vaccines is a critical part of fighting this disease and we are pleased that this partnership will reduce access disparities for our neighbors in the Upstate.”

Through this collaboration, MolinaCares and SCORH will fund a mobile health unit for Primary Care of Union. The vehicle will be used for reaching rural areas that lack access to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment and COVID-19 vaccines. The unit will also provide additional immunizations throughout the year, such as the annual flu vaccine.

“This partnership will allow my practice to help my patients overcome transportation and technology barriers so that they can access information and schedule appointments for the services they need,” said Tina Fowler, APRN and owner of Primary Care of Union.

Data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) shows that the state’s successful monoclonal antibody program is reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths.

“We are excited that this collaboration will increase rural access to both COVID-19 treatment and vaccines, as well as other immunizations year-round, which will support preventative care for these communities in the long term,” said Graham Adams, chief executive officer of SCORH. “This initiative was Tina Fowler’s idea and exemplifies the energy and passion she has for meeting the short-term and long-term health needs of her community.”

South Carolina residents can visit https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/ to find a vaccine location.

About The MolinaCares Accord

Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.

About Molina Healthcare of South Carolina

Since 2014, Molina Healthcare of South Carolina has been providing government-funded care for low-income individuals. As of December 31, 2021, the company serves approximately 180,000 members through Medicaid, Marketplace, Medicare, and Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) health programs across South Carolina. For more information, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

About the South Carolina Office of Rural Health

The South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) is a non-profit organization with a mission to close the gap in health status and life expectancy between rural and urban communities in the Palmetto State. SCORH has been promoting investment, opportunity and health within rural communities since 1991.