Strategic Spartanburg

Spartanburg County’s population is growing older and living longer. The increase in visits to the emergency department is a result of overall population growth as well as increases in the number of seniors who utilize the emergency room for basic health care. Elderly citizens had the highest rate of emergency room visits reflecting the group's increased need for preventative health services and early intervention. In 2002, for Spartanburg County the rate was 44 visits per 100 persons per year for those 65 years and older. In South Carolina, the rate for seniors was 43 visits per 100 persons per year.