Annual Conference—presented in 2023 by My Pharmacy & Optical—highlights resources for families and professionals caring for children who have disabilities

(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina will be hosting the Hopes and Dreams 2023 Conference—presented by My Pharmacy and Optical—on May 3rd at the R2i2 Conference Center. The annual conference offers professionals, family members, and self-advocates the opportunity to learn more about resources and support available to the special needs community.

“We are passionate about serving and supporting South Carolina families who have children with a disability or chronic health condition as well as their caregivers” says Katrina Jamison, a pharmacist and strategic leader at My Pharmacy and Optical. “We understand many of the existing obstacles that prevent access to both pharmacy and optical services, and we strive to bridge the gap that often separates these individuals from access to the exceptional healthcare they deserve.” 

“We are excited to partner with My Pharmacy and Optical to present our Hopes and Dreams conference in an in-person format this year” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “This conference highlights resources and best practices for families navigating the journey of parenting a child with disabilities. We will also highlight resources for providers and healthcare professionals and offer Continuing Education Credits” said Holbert.

Workshops will focus on topics related to new diagnosis, early intervention, elementary and secondary education, advocacy, transition, and mental and behavioral health. Exhibitors from organizations across the state will also be participating. The keynote speaker is Dr. Desmond Kelly, Interim Chief Academic Executive Officer for Prisma Health and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and opening remarks begin at 9:00 a.m. There is no cost to families to attend.

Registration for families and professionals and the day’s schedule is available at www.familyconnectionsc.org/training/conferences/schedule/

Sponsor information is available at: www.familyconnectionsc.org/training/conferences/exhibitors/

In addition to Presenting Sponsor, My Pharmacy and Optical, event sponsors include Ongoing Sponsor, BlueCross BlueShield; Champion Sponsors Humana Healthy Horizons in South Carolina, Pee Dee Kids and Nightingales Nursing & Attendants; SC First Steps, Bright Start, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Connections BabyNet, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Connections Medicaid, DHEC, and HealthLinks Magazine.

About Family Connection of South Carolina:
Since 1990, Family Connection of South Carolina has been changing lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. We offer programs and services to ensure that parents, professionals, and caregivers have access to available resources to help their children reach their full potential. Our work focuses on five areas: Parent Support, Healthcare, Education, Training and Advocacy. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an ongoing sponsor of Family Connection of South Carolina. For more information or to make a referral or donation, visit www.familyconnectionsc.org or call 800-578-8750. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

###