DENMARK, S.C. - The man heading up Voorhees College's new Center of Excellence in Rural and Minority Health says he's encouraged about the way in which the center has been received by Denmark and surrounding communities, especially as residents become aware of what a valuable resource it will be.

"Currently, we are able to provide distance learning from Clemson University, Clemson is 180 miles away, but our participants will be able to participate in distance learning classes here at the center via teleconference capability," said Dr. Leroy Davis, the facility's executive director. "Here at the center we have a practice kitchen, where participants can practice the art of preparing balanced meals."

Davis, former president of South Carolina State University, said the importance of proper diet, weight control and health education are all stressed at the center.

The Center of Excellence is a collaborative effort. Housed within it's walls are the Family Health Center Inc., the RBC Family Health Center and the Center of Excellence. Partners include Clemson University, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, U.S. Public Health, Claflin University, South Carolina State University and the Medical University of South Carolina.

The center's mission is "to eliminate health disparities through dissemination of health information by way of technology and traditional means, and to improve access to quality health care to the rural and minority communities of Bamberg and its surrounding counties."

In an effort to improve health services in the area, a Health and Human Service planning grant was provided for the establishment of the center.

Davis said in addition to meeting the needs of the local community, the Center for Excellence will serve as a model for rural health care that can be replicated in similar communities throughout the country. Under his leadership, it provides clinical services, health education, health research and community outreach.

Many people encounter problems in accessing a health care facility, Davis said, and the Center of Excellence will provide easier access for people in need of medical services.

In addition, educational and training services are available for pre-professional and professional health service students from Voorhees College and Denmark Technical College, South Carolina State University and the Medical University of South Carolina.

"Practical application of technique and methods in a rural setting will assist students in health care programs to gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities afforded in a rural setting," Davis said.

Research at the center is geared toward elimination of health disparities, he said.

Dr. Bernard Moses, director of research, is involved in a community outreach project with middle school students. A computer project titled "e.health" teaches middle school students skills to navigate through health Web sites. Once students have mastered the art of navigating to relevant sites, they can research health issues to which they may be hereditarily linked, equipping them with information to share with parents and grandparents.

Moses also has a research initiative with high school students titled "Research And Medical Information Center," which trains students on accessing and using the National Library Web sites. One of the benefits of the RAMIC project, Davis said, is that it cultivates an interest in research.

Davis said these projects provide community collaboration between Voorhees College, local schools and the Center of Excellence.

The Tiger Power Program is another community outreach program at the center. The program is designed to positively impact health awareness for senior adults. Adrian West, coordinator of senior physical health, is implementing the Tiger Power Program, in which Voorhees College students and other volunteers work together with senior adults to learn and have fun.

Participants are involved in a variety of health, fitness and recreational activities tailored to meet their individual needs. To insure safety, all participants 60 or older must have a completed TPPS medical exam form from their physician approving their physical activities.

Davis addressed the challenges of the center's first six months of operation.

"The ultimate challenge is the sustainable grants," he said, noting that the life-span of a grant is usually from one to two years, but research at the center will require much longer than that. Many of the center's research initiatives deal with chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity and hypertension, Davis said.

James Bamberg, director of operations for the Family Health Center, said Voorhees College is working on a plan where students without insurance will be given a special design plan for health services while attending college.

Hours of operation for the Center of Excellence in Rural and Minority Health are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, call the center at 803-703-7006.

T&D Correspondent Hope Long Weldon can be reached by e-mail at james3091@aol.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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