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In 1993, University Hospital, the Richmond County Health Department, and the Richmond County Commission met to discuss ways to improve the health of the socioeconomically challenged population in the County.

As a result, the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Partnership for Community Health was formed, consisting of seven local hospitals, three health departments, and government, business, education, civic, social service, and faith community representatives. 

The Partnership sponsored a health assessment and survey that revealed a high percentage of the residents of the 30906 Zip Code lived in poverty and experienced major barriers to healthcare access.  In response to these findings, the Partnership developed the Neighborhood Improvement Project, Inc., with community partnerships from Belle Terrace Presbyterian Church and other community leaders in 1998. 

This group defined major areas of need to include better access to health care for low-income uninsured and underinsured residents, mental health services, elder care, family support, and economic development.

In response to these findings, the Belle Terrace Health & Wellness Center opened in May 1999 on the grounds of Belle Terrace Presbyterian Church.

 

Patient Testimonial | Trai Williams

Mr. Trai Williams reflects on his healthcare journey with Medical Associates Plus, sharing how accessible, personalized care has made a meaningful difference in his life.

To address the ensuing increased patient volume, a new building was opened in 2012, and the health center was renamed Medical Associates Plus (MAP) at Belle Terrace in 2013. Also, in 2013, MAP acquired the Wrens Medical Center, now the Medical Associates Plus at Wrens. MAP has since grown to 28 locations to include 2 mobile units. 

MAP uses mobile health units to expand healthcare access and is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). The NCQA PCMH recognition indicates promotion of high-quality care standards emphasizing the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated, team-based care that supports access, quality assessment and improvement, safety, and patient involvement. 

Clinical services provided include Primary Adult and Pediatric Care, Women’s Health, Behavioral Health, Dermatology, Wound Care services, Endocrinology, Asthma/Allergy and Immunology, Infectious Disease, Podiatry, Dental, Pharmacy, Telehealth, Laboratory, and Infusion Services. Their interprofessional team of providers includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and dentists. MAP has offices in Richmond, Burke, McDuffie, Columbia, Lincoln, Jefferson, and the South Carolina county of Aiken.