Dorchester County receives $709K Congressional Directives grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration

Dorchester County rural healthcare center - Dorchester County received an appropriation award of $709,000 in FY 26 federal funds for a combination of equipment and construction upgrades that total 1,415,252.05. The non-federal portion of the funding for this project will be covered by Dorchester County. Specifically, a combination of federal funding will be used to pay for radiology equipment consisting of x-ray equipment and to also renovate the interior and exterior of a medial building to use the radiology equipment. This will help the county assist its medical provider/operator, the medical university of South Carolina (musc) health, to establish and offer primary care and occupational healthcare to the residents in upper Dorchester County which is the most rural part of the county. This facility will also service portions of orangeburg and berkeley counties as the service territory covering the tri-county region within a ten-mile radius of the medical facility on a county-owned parcel consisting of +/-1 acre located at 100 sears street, saint george, sc, 29744. The parcel is bounded by gavin street, sears street, and nw railroad avenue in the town of saint george. This property contains a one-story institutional building made of masonry constructed in 2001. The site contains a 35- space parking lot that is accessed from both nw railroad avenue and sears street. The property is currently zoned residential-mixed use. The property is not in a special flood hazard zone. The project will align with the county’s strategic plan adopted in 2025 by promoting healthcare and improving access to public health and increased services in the rural Dorchester County by offering a new healthcare facility with advanced and medical services to rural communities of Dorchester County, like reevesville, rosenville, grover, byrds, harleyville, st. George, dorchester, ridgeville, as well as tri-county region covering portions of orangeburg and berkeley counties. This healthcare facility is located within a 6,336 square foot cinder block building owned by Dorchester County, situated at 100 sear street, st. George, sc 29477. This facility is centrally in the town and easily accessible from interstates 26 and 95, and sc highway 15, 78 and 178 and will serve a significant growing population base totaling over 15,000 persons currently within a 10-mile radius of the neighborhood. It will offer advanced medical and occupational healthcare services to the growing residential communities and as well as the expanding industrial employers within the rural area pf Dorchester County, helping to reduce mortality rates and improve overall health and survival chances for rural populations. A healthier population contributes to a stronger local economy. When residents and employees have access to quality healthcare, they are more likely to stay in the area, support local businesses and contribute to the community's growth. Economic well-being and quality of life. Also, by enhancing healthcare services, and adding radiology to the menu of offerings at the facility, the region becomes more attractive to potential businesses and residents, encouraging economic development growth and expansion of services and the employment base.