The South Carolina nonprofit New Morning just announced a collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina to expand its contraceptive access care program. 

The collaboration is being facilitated by MUSC’s Center for Telehealth. Uninsured women anywhere in South Carolina now will have access to affordable contraceptive services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The partnership expands New Morning’s No Drama program, which offers affordable reproductive health and contraceptive care throughout the state. Its Columbia office is at 1501 Main St.

That program’s services are now available through MUSC’s telehealth center. 

“No Drama’s 24/7 telehealth services provided by MUSC Health are allowing us to reach more of these young women,” said New Morning founder Bonnie Kapp. “Many of these young women will be able to receive the reproductive healthcare they want and need in order to avoid an unwanted or mistimed pregnancy.”

Since South Carolina has a large number residents in rural areas, having quick access to virtual healthcare is vital to those who don’t live near a doctor’s office. 

The South Carolina Office of Rural Health estimates that 32% of people in South Carolina live in rural areas. 

“Adequate transportation and provider availability often make it difficult for the average person to have access to healthcare, especially those in rural areas,” said registered nurse and University of South Carolina graduate Ashely Heinrich, who works for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Virtual healthcare provides additional ways for patients to follow up with their providers and better manage their care.”