Perinatal Awareness for Successful Outcomes
About Perinatal Awareness for Successful Outcomes
Based in Columbia, South Carolina, PASOs represents nearly two decades of dedicated service to Latino communities across the state. Founded in 2005 in response to research documenting significant health disparities and limited resource access among Latino families, PASOs emerged from a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Palmetto Health, and the South Carolina March of Dimes. What began as a focused perinatal health initiative has evolved into a comprehensive community health organization serving the entire Latino population.
PASOs embodies a mission to help the Latino community and service providers work together toward strong, healthy families. The organization's vision centers on building healthier Latino communities that contribute to a stronger Carolinas through collaborative education, advocacy, and leadership development. Since 2008, PASOs has partnered with the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health to expand programming and technical capacity across multiple counties. The organization's work reflects deep community roots, evidenced by its leadership in forming the SC United with Immigrants coalition and hosting annual Voces Comunitarias (Community Voices) events that amplify Latino voices and experiences. PASOs recognizes the inherent strengths within Latino families while addressing systemic barriers to health and wellness. By combining culturally responsive education with direct participant support and strategic partnerships with healthcare and social service providers, PASOs continues to strengthen South Carolina's capacity to serve its growing and vital Latino communities.