Root Cause (IPM/SL)

In 2018, UofSCSOMG formed a multidisciplinary task force that determined the needs of the communities served by Prisma Health. The Dunean community was identified as an at-risk community with high rates of poverty, diabetes, obesity, and low rates of access to healthcare. To address the health disparities, in September of 2019, UofSCSOMG started Root Cause to address the root causes of diseases by increasing access to health care education and services. 

At the heart of Root Cause are students and community partners working together to inspire and empower community members to continue on the path to healthier lives. We hope that our work will ultimately decrease the use of unnecessary emergency services and decrease health care spendings on acute and chronic conditions related to unhealthy lifestyles.

Root Cause is a monthly health fair in which the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville (UofSCSOMG) students, residents, and faculty engage with members of the neighboring Dunean community. It aims to address the root causes of disease by increasing access to health care, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and reducing health disparities. Participants have the opportunity to connect with healthcare providers for ongoing care as well as learn about resources related to insurance, healthy food, and movement. The goal is to create a bi-directional relationship with the surrounding Greenville community and the medical school while improving the health of the participants. Our goal is that through Root Cause, we are “growing a healthier Greenville.”