South-Carolina
Midwives may help close South Carolina’s infant mortality disparity between rural and urban counties
MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) – Toddler mortality charges are larger in South Carolina counties with none obtainable maternal care services, in accordance to a knowledge evaluation by Information 2’s sister station, WBTW, in Myrtle Seashore.
There are 18 counties with out a beginning middle or hospital within the state, eight are recognized as maternity care deserts and 13 are categorised with having low entry to care to maternal care, in response to the March of Dimes, which provides the state an “F” grade for preterm births – a contributor to toddler deaths.
These deserts are typically clustered. Chester County is surrounded by Union, Lancaster and Fairfield counties’ lack of a hospital or beginning middle. McCormick County, equally, is adjoining to Abbeville County, one other care desert.
On the southern finish of the state, Allendale, Barnwell, Bamberg and Hampton counties don’t have a hospital or beginning middle. Marlboro County, which misplaced its solely hospital in 2015, can also be with out a place to offer beginning.
Relying on the being pregnant, these lengthy drives can result in worse outcomes.
“That stress of getting there – I’m fairly certain that if you find yourself in labor and must journey at that second, it may be a little bit extra disturbing, and stress will be dangerous,” stated Tameca Wilson, the director of maternal and toddler well being for March of Dimes South Carolina.
There are a number of contributing elements that may trigger a new child’s demise, together with beginning defects, being born prematurely, having a low beginning weight and sudden toddler demise syndrome. These elements may also be influenced by substance abuse and weight problems charges, which are typically larger in additional rural communities.
From 2004 to 2020, the speed of South Carolina newborns being admitted to neonatal intensive care models elevated from 5.9% to 9.4%. These jumps have been extra dramatic in areas recognized by the March of Dimes as maternity care deserts.
In 2020, 11.8% of infants born in South Carolina had been born prematurely, in response to the March of Dimes. That’s rising, and is 55% larger for Black ladies.
The state’s toddler mortality charge, at 7 out of each 1,000 births, can also be above the nationwide charge of 5.6.
“We’re holding fairly regular, which isn’t a great place to be,” Wilson stated.
South Carolina moms are additionally much less prone to obtain sufficient prenatal care – with 15.9% categorised as having insufficient prenatal care within the state, in comparison with 14.9% nationally.
These excessive numbers could partly be attributed to the gap anticipating moms must journey to obtain care.
Wilson stated that it’s troublesome for somebody with out a automobile to get to an appointment in a special county. Even with entry to a automobile, these 45-minute drives will be extraordinarily troublesome to make occur.
“You would do it on a lunch break, however three hours or extra isn’t a lunch break,” she stated.
Having a prenatal go to earlier than the five-month gestation mark is essential, she stated, in order that well being care professionals can catch potential points, and so moms could make enhancements of their pregnancies.
Telehealth visits will help fill gaps, however the identical rural areas that don’t have already got well being services may also be know-how deserts, in response to Wilson. In a few of these counties, clinics have closed, or been merged with a facility in a bigger space.
News13’s evaluation checked out knowledge for counties that the March of Dimes has recognized maternity care deserts, in comparison with toddler mortality studies from the South Carolina Division of Well being and Environmental Management. The evaluation used knowledge from two-year intervals since 1994 to seek out traits.
Charges will be inconsistent for small counties, which have small beginning numbers, that means that even a single demise can enormously affect its toddler mortality charge. Nevertheless, about twenty years of information present that these counties’ demise charges have constantly been larger than the state’s. Most of the rural areas haven’t proven enchancment for the reason that Nineties, or have gotten worse.
“We nonetheless have some challenges right here within the state, and a few issues to work on,” Wilson stated.
Beginning facilities and midwives can fill in these care gaps, however suppliers are nonetheless uncommon.
In line with DHEC, there are solely 4 birthing facilities within the state – two in Greenville, one in Mount Nice and one other in Spartanburg. There are 40 licensed midwives listed in its database, however 12 have addresses which are in different states, together with North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio and Indiana.
13 extra persons are categorised as midwife apprentices.
Licensed nurse-midwives have smaller practices, take fewer sufferers and may spend extra time with anticipating dad and mom, in response to Wilson.
The difficulty, nevertheless, is that the majority aren’t coated by insurance coverage.
Medicaid is useful for the agricultural inhabitants, however will be troublesome to work with, in response to Angela Springer, an authorized skilled midwife who relies out of Conway and serves 9 counties.
“For us, it’s type of a struggle to receives a commission typically, as a result of we’re thought of out-of-network with the entire managed plan applications,” she stated.
Midwives aren’t thought of in-network with any main insurance coverage corporations as a result of these practices are so small.
Nonetheless, Springer, who owns Pure Beginning at Dwelling, has seen an elevated curiosity from dad and mom.
Dwelling births elevated by 117% between 2019 to 2020, in response to the Palmetto Affiliation of Licensed Midwives. A bounce nationwide in house births has been attributed to extra anticipating dad and mom giving beginning at house or in facilities, for the reason that pandemic restricted what number of guests or help individuals will be in a hospital. That pattern hasn’t decreased as hospital restrictions have eased.
“We’re very busy,” Springer stated.
There are three midwives who apply within the Grand Strand space. Springer stated she has a variety of rural sufferers, and that half of her shoppers are ladies of coloration.
However most midwives – who’re licensed in South Carolina to hold gear and drugs, and are required to have years of coaching and apprenticeships – are clustered within the Charleston, Columbia and Greenville areas.
“I believe there simply must be extra of us,” Springer stated. “I believe the truth that we actually present that one-on-one relationship with ladies makes a distinction, and [also] the truth that they know, particularly in a rural space, that they’ve entry to us by telephone just about 24/7 for many midwives.”
With a number of being educated within the space, she hopes extra midwives will assist to fill the companies hole.
Wilson stated step one is figuring out that there’s a difficulty within the state. She’d wish to see extra insurance coverage corporations cowl midwives and doulas (who act as beginning helps).
March of Dimes was additionally hoping for Medicare to broaden its coated postpartum care past 60 days of protection to a full 12 months. That has occurred for the reason that time of Wilson’s interview with News13, with the South Carolina Division of Well being and Human Companies asserting that Medicaid protection might be prolonged from 60 days to 12 months postpartum.
South-Carolina
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Sports Seriously
Technically, Feast Week is still three days away, but given some of the star-powered matchups this week in women’s college hoops, those who are craving good basketball are going to get their fill — and then some.
The two biggest games of the week are both taking place in L.A., more proof that Hollywood really does attract the biggest and best stars. While USC-Notre Dame and UCLA-South Carolina will command plenty of attention, don’t discount some of the unranked and/or mid-major schools listed below. November is a great time to get familiar with non-brand names that could make a run come March.
And with that, here are five women’s college games to watch this week.
Belmont at No. 14 Duke
Thursday, 7 p.m. on ACC Network
Don’t be fooled by Belmont’s 2-2 record — the Bruins took No. 11 Ohio State to the wire last week, and Bart Brooks is one of the best coaches in the country, period. Belmont boasts a balanced scoring attack, with five players averaging 8.0 points or more, but in order to pull an upset in historic Cameron Indoor Stadium, they’re going to need Kendall Holmes (12.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Emily La Chapell (11.5 ppg, 3.0 apg) to step up. Duke, which also has a balanced attack, won’t make it easy, especially if Ashlon Jackson (13.2 ppg, 40% 3FG) and Reigan Richardson (11.4 ppg, 41.2% 3FG) are hitting from outside.
No. 9 Oklahoma at UNLV
Friday, 3:30 ET on Mountain West Network
This could be interesting. UNLV has ruled the Mountain West for a few years, and is often ranked at the end of the regular season. But the Rebels have yet to make major noise in the NCAA tournament, even though they’re often a popular upset pick. Could a win at home over a top 10 team help build the confidence they need to do some damage in March? To upset the Sooners they’ll have to figure out how to handle junior center Raegan Beers (21.2 ppg, 11.8 rpg), arguably the top transfer in the country.
Harvard at Northwestern
Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network+
Harvard’s already picked up one win against a Big Ten team, knocking off then-ranked Indiana in Bloomington in the second game of the season. And given that the Crimson feature one of the best players in the country you haven’t heard of — senior guard Harmoni Turner is averaging 23.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and shooting 45.1% from the field — the chances of notching another big road win look good.
No. 5 Notre Dame at No. 3 USC
Saturday, 4 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
The two best sophomores in the country, USC’s JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo take centerstage in a game that could very well break scoring records based on how much these two guards love to push pace. Watkins (21.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.8 spg) is pro-ready in just her second year of college hoops and Hidalgo (25.0 ppg, 5.2 spg) is maybe the best on-ball defender in the country, a pest who knows how to steal the ball and turn it into points on the other end. But these two are hardly one-woman shows. USC got a gem out of the transfer portal in Kiki Iriafen (17.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and the Irish’s other star guard, Olivia Miles (18.3 ppg, 6.8), is healthy after missing last season. You’re going to want popcorn handy when you tune into this game.
No. 1 South Carolina at No. 6 UCLA
Sunday, 4 p.m. ET on FS1
UCLA junior center Lauren Betts (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg) is an early favorite to contend for national player of the year honors. One thing that would help make a case for her: a stellar performance against the defending champs. That’s a tall task though, even for the 6-foot-7 Betts. She’ll be going up against Gamecocks like Joyce Edwards (10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), a freshman who plays like a veteran, and Ashlyn Watkins (5.7 ppg, 1.3 bpg), who proved last year she’s one of the best defenders in the country. Will UCLA and Betts be able to slow Chloe Kitts (17.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and Te-Hina Paopao (13.5 ppg, 44% 3FG)? They’ll have to in order to beat South Carolina. A big game from transfer Timea Gardiner (14.5 ppg, 57.7% 3FG) would also help.
USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll: Defending national champions remain at No. 1
Email Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell
The South Carolina football record for single-year NFL Draft selections in the modern era is seven. Both the 2009 draft and 2013 draft saw seven Gamecocks selected. (Back in 1954, nine USC alums went in a much longer draft.)
The 2025 NFL Draft could challenge those numbers.
The Gamecocks will be well-represented in April’s draft, especially on defense. You can check out some recent draft projections below. (The only underclassmen included are TJ Sanders and Nick Emmanwori because of their expected early-round selections.)
[GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days and 50% off first year]
TJ Sanders
The player most consistently mocked in the 1st round among the draft-eligible Gamecocks is big TJ Sanders. The athletic defensive tackle has gotten top-30 love from CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso and Mike Renner. Other outlets predict a 2nd or 3rd-round selection, but Sanders appears to be a lock in the top 100.
Nick Emmanwori
Nick Emmanwori has been one of several standouts on this year’s defense at South Carolina. Because of that, the talented safety has become one of the top players at his position in the 2025 draft. Some even consider him this cycle’s best overall safety. Emmanwori is big, fast, and great on the back end. CBS’ Ryan Wilson views the freaky athlete as a 1st-rounder. Most outlets seem to position him in the 2nd round.
Kyle Kennard
Coming into 2024 as a late-round guy, Kyle Kennard has played himself into a new future. Now, following an All-American showing this fall, he has been mocked as high as the late 1st round but seems settled into somewhere in the top 100 according to most sources. That is exactly where The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez projects Kennard. Sanchez calls him a “Day 2” pick, meaning he believes Kennard will go in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Rocket Sanders
Running backs aren’t nearly as highly coveted in the draft as they used to be, but Rocket Sanders is among the names garnering consideration. The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs projects Sanders to be a 5th-round pick. That also tracks with other NFL Draft big boards and mocks. Most outlets seem to think Sanders will be off the board between the fourth and seventh rounds.
DeAndre Jules
An under-the-radar Gamecock in draft circles in DeAndre Jules. The big defensive tackle has missed some time this fall, but the NFL is still intrigued by the big fella. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell projects Jules to go in the 3rd or 4th round in April. That is higher than most other mocks, though. When Jules is included on other NFL Draft boards, it is as a potential late-round pick.
Josh Simon
As part of a strong season, Josh Simon tied USC’s single-season touchdown record for tight ends (6) against Missouri. Because of his production, the NFL is taking notice. AtoZSports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts called Simon “a better pro than college player,” which is significant because he’s a really good college tight end. NFL Draft pundits are late to the party, but he’s starting to get late-round buzz as a possible 5th-round to 7th-round selection. The offseason should be kind to Simon’s draft stock.
O’Donnell Fortune
O’Donnell Fortune could be the next South Carolina cornerback to make his way into the draft. In fact, earlier this fall, NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline gave the Palmetto State native a 6th-round grade. Several other outlets have followed suit recently. Fortune has had a strong senior season in Columbia and should find himself in professional football next year, whether via draft selection or free agent contract. He is a “stock up” candidate.
Demetrius Knight
Demetrius Knight is an NFL linebacker. Because he didn’t play until last year (with Charlotte) and has just one season in the SEC, his stock isn’t high. As things stand, Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell lists Knight as a 6th or 7th-round pick. However, Knight’s size and speed should see him be an offseason riser. His physical testing numbers and pop on film should impress scouts.
Tonka Hemingway
Heading into the season, Tonka Hemingway was viewed as a potential major riser for the 2025 NFL Draft. With other players also stepping up around the country at the position, a solid year for Hemingway hasn’t seen that draft stock bump come to fruition. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell calls Hemingway a 6th or 7th-round pick.
[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Wofford football game]
Other Late-Round/Undrafted Free Agent Hopefuls
*The players listed below have received 7th-round or undrafted free agent grades from various outlets*
LB Debo Williams
G/C Torricelli Simpkins
C/G Vershon Lee
LB Bam Martin-Scott
DT Boogie Huntley
WR Gage Larvadain
P Kai Kroeger
LS Hunter Rogers
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina (2-2) returns home for a Thursday night matchup with Mercer (2-2) at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. (ET) with Dave Weinstein (pxp) and John Williams (analyst) on the call for the SEC Network+ broadcast.
It’ll be the seventh all-time meeting between the Gamecocks and Bears and first since Dec. 30, 2001, in Dave Odom’s inaugural season as head coach at South Carolina.
The contest will be an unbracketed game part of the Fort Myers Tip-Off, which takes place next week at Suncoast Credit Union Arena Nov. 25 and 27.
Road closures for the annual Vista Lights on Nov. 21 will affect traffic for the campus community and fans heading to the men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. against Mercer.
Starting around 5 p.m., the city of Columbia will close the following streets:
- Gervais Street from Gadsden to Assembly streets
- Lincoln Street from Senate to Lady streets
- Park Street from Senate to Lady streets
Members of the university community are advised to find alternate routes home from campus or to Colonial Life Arena.
Season tickets remain available and more information can be found here. Single-game tickets are now available as well and can be purchased here.
GAME INFORMATION
TIME: 7 p.m. (ET) with doors opening at 6 p.m.
VENUE: Colonial Life Arena
TV: SEC Network+
PLAY-BY-PLAY: Dave Weinstein
ANALYST: John Williams
RADIO: Gamecock Radio Network
IN COLUMBIA: 107.5 The Game
PLAY-BY-PLAY: Derek Scott
ANALYST: Casey Manning
SIRIUSXM: 385 | SXM APP: 975
WATCH: ESPN.com/watch/
LIVE STATS: GamecocksOnline.com
SERIES: SC leads, 4-2
in COLUMBIA: SC leads, 4-2
SERIES TREND: SC has won three-in-a-row dating back to Jan. 2, 1993, a 68-66 victory.
LAST MEETING: Dec. 30, 2001 in the non-conference finale of Dave Odom’s first season ; Gamecocks won 88-52 in what would be the final season of Frank McGuire Arena.
UP NEXT
The Gamecocks head south for a two-game MTE in the program’s debut at the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Carolina opens vs. Xavier (4-0) on Monday. Tip is 8:30 p.m. (ET) on FS1 with Jeff Levering (pxp) and Donny Marshall (analyst) on the call. The team will face either Virginia Tech or Michigan Wednesday night at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.
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