Fair works with clinic that provides ‘human-centered care’

The Magdalene Clinic, developed by the Phoenix Center, Furman University Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, and Prisma Health, offers comprehensive care for expectant mothers with substance-use disorder (SUD). Founded in 2015 thanks to a $1.15 million Healthy Greenville Grant, the clinic delivers traditional pregnancy care, social work and peer-support services.

The Greenville Journal covered the clinic’s services and reached out to Furman’s Melissa Fair, 2010 Furman alumna and community action director for IACH. Citing the need for trauma-informed care, Fair said, “We create a wraparound supportive environment that looks at (the patient) as a complete and whole person without judgment. Were trying to reduce that shame they feel about their own use.”

A health and exercise science graduate (now health sciences), Fair joined the IACH in 2016, bringing a wealth of community-based health promotion and evaluation experience through her relationship with LiveWell Greenville and its more than 100 community partnerships. Fair holds a master’s in public health from the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health and a doctorate from the same in health promotion, education and behavior.