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Healthy S.C. Initiative nets community award MUSC received the Vanguard Award for Leadership in Community Health Improvement for its Healthy South Carolina Initiative project on Feb. 15. The award is presented annually by the South Carolina Health Alliance to a health care institution that demonstrates exemplary community service. Stuart Smith, vice president for clinical operations at MUSC, and Marilyn Laken, Ph.D., professor of nursing at MUSC and director of the Healthy South Carolina Initiative accepted the award at the annual membership meeting of the South Carolina Health Alliance in Columbia. Comprising 28 separate projects, the Healthy South Carolina Initiative addresses the needs of vulnerable populations in South Carolina, reaching out specifically to low income, minority and rural people. The projects are conducted in partnership with community groups such as churches, public schools and community agencies. “The Healthy South Carolina Initiative also serves as a valuable resource for educating health professionals,” according to Laken.  “Students from all six Medical University colleges as well as students from other schools in the state are involved in the projects, acquiring knowledge that cannot be gained in a classroom or hospital setting. The students learn about the health care needs of the community. Through their participation they become more committed to community and learn the value of a team approach to understanding and responding to the needs of the community.” Some examples of Healthy South Carolina Initiative projects are: the innovative alternative for women program where vocational, life skill and health education are provided to low income women; the AME Church cancer control program where volunteers are trained to develop, implement and evaluate a culturally sensitive approach to increase cancer screening, change dietary habits and increase physical activity among church members; the DADS (dedicated and diligent service) program provides male role models for young, at-risk African American boys; the school-based clinics project provides health care to public school students in undeserved communities; and the dental outreach to the under served project where dental students give presentations at health fairs and schools, and a mobile van provides dental care for those in under served  areas.