Public Information and Community Outreach - About Us

A critical factor in the success of community development is being well-informed. The purpose of the Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO) Program is to help community leaders know how to access and obtain the information necessary to make decisions for the betterment of the communities they serve.

PICO is convinced that a healthy community recognizes the unique relationship between human health, and economic development. Rather than competing with or openly opposing each other, those interests and their constituencies must work together to create action. “Action” occurs when those with authority assume an informed and active leadership role.

The late Dr. David E. Rivers founded PICO, and his vision included “building and sustaining healthy communities nationwide”. Currently, under the direction of Dr. Latecia Abraham-Hilaire, PICO continues to conduct conferences, workshops, Made-for-Television dialogues thanks to our generous and long-standing sponsors:

Dr. Latecia Abraham-Hilaire, Associate Professor and PICO Director
abrahaml@musc.edu
843-792-5530

Latecia M. Abraham-Hilaire, DHA, MHA, serves as Associate Professor with Academic Affairs Faculty, Director of the Public Information and Community Outreach Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Principal Investigator of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Leaders Institute. She serves as Chair of the CSC National Conference. Dr. Abraham-Hilaire is an author of articles in peer-reviewed journals. She has conducted research related to health and gender disparities.

Dr. Abraham-Hilaire received her Bachelor of Science with an option in Health Administration degree from Winthrop University. In addition, she earned a Master in Health Administration degree and a Doctor of Health Administration degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed Leadership South Carolina in 2001.

Dr. Abraham-Hilaire is a member of American College of Healthcare Executives, American Public Health Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has received the following accolades:

• Academic Affairs Faculty Member of the Year 2022,
• Black History Award in recognition of Outstanding Community Service 2023,
• Outstanding Facilitator of Interprofessional Courses Fall 2019 Award from MUSC’s Office of Interprofessional Initiatives,
• 2018 Bronze Telly Award,
• 2017 Allen University’s Twelfth Annual Richard Allen Award,
• SCPAAE Award,
• National Association of Health Services Executives’ Ellis J. Bonner Award.

Ms. Jess Woodrum
woodruje@musc.edu
843-792-1535

Ms. Jess Woodrum, BS, serves as the Program Coordinator at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in the Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO) Department. In this role, she is responsible for promoting the university's mission, vision, and values through various initiatives and events. She obtained her Bachelor of Applied Science in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies from Eastern Kentucky University. With over twenty years of experience in customer service, programming, administrative, and managerial roles, she has worked in various organizations, including the City of Richmond Kentucky community park system, Kentucky State Park System, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission, The Seabrook Island Club, as well as Coastal Fertility Specialists.

Ms. Denise V. Haynes
haynesde@musc.edu

Ms. Denise V. Haynes, MBA, BS, serves as the Program Coordinator II for the Public Information and Community Engagement (PICO) program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). In this role, she manages logistics for national conferences on patient-centered care, collaborates with South Carolina ETV to develop educational programming, and coordinates materials on health and environmental issues. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics from Winston-Salem State University and Chemical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in School Counseling from The Citadel. With extensive experience in program management, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, Ms. Haynes is dedicated to fostering educational environments that empower communities. Her leadership reflects strong strategic planning skills and a commitment to lasting partnerships. Through her work, she aims to improve access to healthcare and advance opportunities across educational and community initiatives.