CareSouth Carolina was named the recipient of the 2021 Community Health Center of the Year Award by the South Carolina Primary Healthcare Association (SCPHCA).
CareSouth Carolina CEO Ann Lewis said the award comes at a special time looking back at the challenges that federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) have faced this past year.
“Receiving this award was a delightful surprise and made even more meaningful as I think back on the challenges we, and all other FQHCs, have faced over the past year,” Lewis said. “We are truly “all in this together” – serving our communities, our patients and each other.”
Over the last year, CareSouth Carolina has been instrumental in the state’s fight against COVID-19. CareSouth Carolina has worked to implement telehealth services and provide access to both COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
To address vaccine hesitancy, CareSouth Carolina implemented the ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves Campaign’ targeting those who were unsure of the COVID-19 vaccination and addressing many misconceptions about the vaccine while offering encouragement from trusted individuals inthe community.
Through videos, flyers, advertisements and much more, trusted community leaders- such as pastors, providers, politicians, community advocates and many others- shared about the COVID-19 vaccine, their decision and the facts.
CareSouth Carolina purchased five MOBY units that have been deployed throughout the area to provide vaccinations and testing at community locations. CSC has also provided Monoclonal Antibody IV Therapy at its Hartsville Suite B office with the goal of decreasing hospitalization in those who have a positive COVID-19 test.
As of December 13, CareSouth Carolina had provided 47,709 COVID-19 tests, 33,362 vaccinations, and 5,280 Monoclonal Antibody IV treatments.
The nomination for CareSouth Carolina read:
“I am nominating CareSouth for the Health Center of the Year Award for the following reasons: Ann Lewis is always on the cutting edge of innovative ideas and seems to be the first in SC to implement a new initiative or program. Not only is she innovative, but she is also always willing to share with other health centers so they may grow. CareSouth is the epitome of a flagship organization and a pioneer in innovation and transformation.”
CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.
Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, geriatrics, social services, clinical counseling, laboratory, 4D ultrasound, X-Ray, migrant services and veterans choice provider.