Discover the USC Brain Health Network’s New Clinic in Orangeburg: A Path to Enhanced Mental Wellness!

Orangeburg, S.C. – The University of South Carolina’s Brain Health Network is stepping up to tackle healthcare deserts in the area. The new clinic aims to provide faster access to cognitive health care, crucial for those facing challenges like Alzheimer’s.

Collaborating with Hope Health, the clinic will reduce wait times for evaluations from several months—sometimes up to a year—to just four to five weeks. Dr. Leonardo Bonilha notes the importance of this shift. “Before, waiting for a specialist could take nine months or longer. Now, we’re making it quicker and easier,” he explained.

Alzheimer’s affects many families here, with Orangeburg ranking eighth in the nation for its prevalence. This new facility is the seventh brain health clinic in the Midlands, making essential services more accessible.

Carl Humphries from Hope Health shared, “Dementia affects so many families. By combining our resources with USC’s experts, we can deliver top-notch care to our community.”

Currently, the clinic is in its pilot phase focused on Hope Health patients, with plans to extend services to the wider Orangeburg area by early 2026.

Local resident Mara Sholette, who experienced her grandfather’s struggles with dementia, sees this facility as a beacon of hope. Her family faced long delays for assistance, which they believe prolonged her grandfather’s suffering.

Statistically, around 6 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to rise as the population ages. Local initiatives like this clinic are essential in addressing these growing healthcare needs.

The clinic not only represents a chance for improved care but also strengthens community bonds as families support one another in these tough times. For many, it is about more than just treatment; it’s about finding empathy and understanding within the community.

By establishing more services like this clinic, healthcare accessibility can improve, ultimately leading to better outcomes for families affected by cognitive decline.

For further reading on the impact of Alzheimer’s and available resources, check out the Alzheimer’s Association for more insights and support.

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