Dorchester County secures federal support for expanded imaging technology for rural residents

With the assistance of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Dorchester County received $709,000 in federal funding to support site work for a mobile MRI unit and the acquisition of x-ray equipment at the new Dorchester County-MUSC Health Primary Care facility in St. George.

“We are grateful for this federal funding to further benefit residents in St. George and the surrounding areas,” said Dorchester County Councilman Peter Smith. “This investment will ensure that these residents have access to advanced diagnostic care close to home. It’s a meaningful step forward in expanding healthcare access and infrastructure in the upper rural areas of the County.”

Dorchester County, in partnership with MUSC Health and Congressional delegation, has worked diligently to secure funding to maximize the benefits of this facility for the community. In 2025, the County was also awarded a $196,476 State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) grant from the Southeast Cresent Regional Commission to further radiology services at the new facility.

The new Dorchester County-MUSC Health Primary Care facility in St. George is a repurposed space that previously operated as a women’s detention center. To fund this transformation, Dorchester County is utilizing a $1 million USDA grant and approximately $2.5 million in ARPA funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The new Dorchester County-MUSC Health Primary Care facility in St. George is anticipated to open at the end of February 2026. The second phase of the partnership with MUSC Health, to include the addition of state-of-the-art imaging technology is expected to be completed and introduced to the public in late 2027.