CareSouth Carolina is proud to recognize Marilyn McDonald of Pee Dee Math, Science, and Technology Academy (PDMSTA) with the Community Partnership Award for her and her organization’s outstanding efforts to improve student and staff health through a long-standing collaboration with CareSouth Carolina.
Jeri Andrews, Chief Medical Officer at CareSouth Carolina, praised McDonald’s dedication.
“Ms. McDonald has played a key role in coordinating medical and dental services for PDMSTA students through our mobile units and telehealth program. She was instrumental in housing telehealth equipment at the academy and worked closely with our team to ensure a smooth implementation. Her efforts make it possible for students and staff to access medical care even when mobile units are unavailable. We value her commitment and look forward to continuing this partnership.”
Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy has partnered with CareSouth Carolina for more than seven years, supporting services like the ROADS school-based health program and the Miles of Smiles Dental Program. These programs provide convenient on-site care, reducing the need for families in this rural community to travel for medical and dental appointments.
“Our partnership with CareSouth Carolina has been an incredible resource,” McDonald said. “The telehealth program has been especially beneficial—not just for students, but for staff as well. The mobile dental visits are a big hit with the students, who love getting called out of class for their checkups.”
PDMSTA is the only rural public charter school in the Pee Dee region, serving grades K-12. The academy’s focus on small class sizes and hands-on learning is supported by partnerships aimed at addressing both educational and health needs.
CareSouth Carolina’s ROADS program brings mobile medical services to rural schools, providing annual wellness exams and health screenings. The Miles of Smiles Dental Program offers pediatric dental care, including preventative services and specialized care for children with unique health needs, through a mobile unit that visits schools and community sites.
