New women's center coming to Camden, hub of thriving region

MUSC Health has broken ground on a new women’s center in Camden, a city of more than 8,000 people about 30 minutes from Columbia. Camden Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford welcomed the news. “I believe Kershaw County is ready for a comprehensive health care center for women.”

 

That's because the county and surrounding region have grown almost 20% over the past 10 years, according to the organization Kershaw County Economic Development. South Carolina Public Radio reported that Camden, in particular, is “experiencing a significant economic resurgence.”

Tallulah Holmstrom, M.D., chief medical officer for the MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center, said the people who live in the area, whether they’re newcomers or long-time residents, need high-quality care that grows with the community. The MUSC Health Camden Pavilion will consolidate several existing ambulatory sites into one comprehensive center dedicated to the health of women throughout Kershaw County. 

Holmstrom noted that the new building, the first that MUSC Health has built in its Midlands Division, sends a message. “This building is a visual commitment to the community – a commitment that the three-hospital division, launched in 2021, is a key part of MUSC Health’s plans for growth to serve people across the state,” she said. “The new building will be big – about 14,000 square feet. The majority of it will be dedicated to OB-GYN services.”

Key features of the building at 2034 West DeKalb St. include: 

• Primary care doctors as well as specialists in obstetrics, gynecology and other areas.
• Prenatal and postnatal care, including child birthing classes.
• Meeting space for lunch-and-learn sessions.
• Advanced imaging services, including 3D mammograms, ultrasounds and bone-density screening.

Holmstrom highlighted the value of 3D mammograms. The women’s center will use the company Hologic’s 3Dimensions Mammography System. Hologic says on its website that its 3D mammograms can spot 20% to 65% more invasive breast cancers than traditional 2D mammograms can. “This is top of the line. It is leaps and bounds ahead of older technology,” Holmstrom said.

Camden’s mayor said the new women’s center will provide an important new option for residents of Kershaw County and the surrounding communities. “Currently, many of us have to go out of the county for our health care needs. Having a center here will greatly impact our community. Thank you to MUSC Health for making this a reality.”