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Press Release

Prisma Health’s annual Dragon Boat race goes virtual to raise $240,000 to fight cancer

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—The COVID-19 pandemic docked the boats, but not the community support for this year’s Prisma Health Dragon Boat Upstate Festival. The annual fundraiser, which switched to a virtual race this year, raised $240,000 for advanced cancer research, prevention and survivor programs for the Prisma Health Cancer Institute.

“Regardless of this terrible pandemic, every day our patients and caregivers continue to fight cancer,” said Larry Gluck, MD, medical director of the Cancer Institute. “It is this type of innovation and commitment to genuinely world-class care here in our backyard that is making a difference in patients. The generous and continued philanthropic support from our community helps make all this possible.”

Since it launched in 2006, Dragon Boat Upstate Festival has raised more than $3 million, helping propel the Prisma Health Cancer Institute forward in the areas of advanced cancer research and to provide patient prevention and survivorship programs in the Upstate. Programs include the Center for Cancer Prevention and Wellness,  Institute for Translational Oncology Research, McCrary Blood & Marrow Transplant Unit, South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation and  Center for Integrative Oncology & Survivorship (CIOS).

Dragon Boat Upstate Festival comprises 26 community teams with each having a goal to raise a minimum of $3,500 for the Prisma Health Cancer Institute. Traditionally, teams celebrate their fundraising work by racing in Dragon Boats at Portman Shoals Marina, but COVID-19 forced the virtual race this fall. 

“The resiliency and dedication these teams demonstrated is heartwarming and inspiring,” said Risé L. Wilson, executive director for the Prisma Health’s philanthropy office in the Upstate. “It would have been easy to let things fall by the wayside, but these community teams stepped up after facing multiple challenges, all in the pursuit to fight cancer. We look forward to having everyone out on the water again in 2021 and reaching our $500,000 goal to celebrate 15 years of the Festival.”

Despite the unprecedented virtual year, the founding and top fundraising team, Ragin’ Cajuns, raised $18,935; and top fundraiser Nicole Bowen raised more than $5,000 as part of Team Torque. The CIOS Moving On team earned the spirit award and the Heme Team won the best team theme award. 

To learn more about the Prisma Health Upstate Dragon Boat Festival, visit www.dragonboatupstatesc.org.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Using rowing machines bought with Dragon Boat dollars for cancer patients exercising at Prisma Health Life Center, Cancer Institute staff and physicians took part in a rowing challenge to raise additional money for their teams’ fund-raising goals. Shown from left are the Cancer Institute’s Larry Gluck, medical director, and Julie Martin, cancer research director.

Give thanks by helping protect community members

Press Release

Prisma Health encourages communities to take advantage of convenient drive-thru flu vaccine option before end of month

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health encourages communities to take advantage of its convenient drive-thru flu vaccine option before the end of month. The system, which is in line to meet its almost 200,000 flu-vaccination goal, will transition its flu vaccinations away from the hospital drive-thrus after Nov. 30.

Flu shots will continue to be available through outlets such as provider offices.

“As we go into Thanksgiving week, I want to thank the many people who took quick action to help protect themselves against the flu,” said Saria Saccocio, MD, ambulatory chief medical officer of Prisma Health. “Now, it’s time for those who has not yet gotten their flu vaccinations to take the extra step to help protect themselves and their loved ones. We’ve already given more than 130,000 flu shots but want to make sure everyone takes advantage of them, especially this year.”

State health officials warn that contracting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time is possible and could likely cause more complications than if the flu were the sole infection. But flu by itself can also be deadly, with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announcing Wednesday that the state had suffered its first flu-related death of the season.

“While flu shots will continue to be available through Prisma Health, we think the flu hospital drive-thru options are a particularly easy option for our communities. We want to urge everyone to take advantage of the drive-thru locations before the flu shots transition away from the drive-thrus on Nov. 30.“

At Prisma Health, flu shots have been given everywhere from provider offices and hospitals to mobile clinics, business-health sites, drive-thrus and free community outreach sites across the Midlands and Upstate. To help time-crimped families, many Prisma Health practices also offered Saturday flu vaccination clinics.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, the community has been right there with us supporting our health care team. We are thankful for your support of our team members who have showed their love for our communities through their hard work, long hours and perseverance,” said Saccocio. “Our physicians, nurses and staff from every department have gone over and beyond the call of duty because that is truly who they are. We couldn’t be any prouder of each one of the individually and as a team.”

“We are proud to do our part but need our community members to continue doing theirs – whether it’s getting their flu vaccines, socially distancing when in public, wearing masks or practicing great hand hygiene. We’re all in this together,” said Saccocio.

While flu is highly contagious, flu immunizations can significantly diminish its spread. Even if someone immunized against the flu still gets the flu, their illness is typically less severe and shorter in duration. Virtually everyone, including pregnant women and children six months or older, should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart and lung diseases.

For more information about the flu and Prisma Health’s drive-thru locations currently offering flu vaccines, visit PrismaHealth.org/Flu.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health Encourages pancreatic cancer awareness

Press Release

Pancreatic cancer is a silent killer and recognizing symptoms is important

Greenville, S.C.—November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Prisma Health wants the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition because early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. In South Carolina alone, approximately 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Nearly 800 of those patients typically have advanced disease and face low odds of survival. 

Early signs of pancreatic cancer are vague and non-specific making early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • A new diagnosis of diabetes after age 60

“Unfortunately, because of these vague symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages, when the cancer has spread to other organs. If you experience these persistent symptoms it is important to talk with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist,” said Veeral Oza, MD, a gastroenterology specialist with Prisma Health.

Oza added, “Anyone diagnosed with diabetes after age 60 should meet with their doctor to consider an evaluation of the pancreas. The onset of diabetes in older patients can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.” 

The pancreas is an organ that measures about six to seven inches long and sits behind the stomach. It is involved in the secretion of hormones and enzymes that help to regulate your metabolism and blood sugar level.

Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur after the age of 60 and rarely before the age of 40. The largest risk factors for pancreatic cancer are smoking and history of chronic pancreatitis, cysts or inflammation in the pancreas.

While tests for pancreatic cancer are not routinely recommended for most patients, those with a family history of the disease need to be screened. In 5–10% of pancreatic cancers there is an inherited genetic component. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), MRI and CT scans are the primary ways the pancreas is assessed.

For more information or to find a physician, visit PrismaHealth.org.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,947 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health will not reopen North Greenville Hospital emergency department, instead expanding its primary care in the area

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has formally notified the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control that it has closed the emergency department at North Greenville Hospital. The emergency department had been temporarily closed since April 5 as a result of Prisma Health transitioning the North Greenville Hospital into its primary inpatient facility for COVID-19 patients in the Upstate – but, before that, the emergency department had been significantly under-utilized.

“As we reviewed community use of the overall hospital, we realized that the overwhelming need in the Travelers Rest community was for additional primary care options which could provide better on-going care for that vibrant community and also help make significant inroads for additional preventive care,” said Dr. C. Wendell James, chief clinical officer for Prisma Health in the Upstate.

Prisma Health already opened a new walk-in clinic over the summer in a building adjacent to the hospital, and it has a full-time physician and nurse practitioner. As volumes increase and more space is acquired, additional providers will be added. The North Greenville campus already provides extensive diagnostic services, including mammography, MRI, CT and other laboratory services. In addition, robust virtual health visit models are in place that allow patients to connect with Prisma Health physicians by video and, if needed due to COVID-19, telephone.

While COVID-19 patients are treated throughout almost all of Prisma Health’s hospitals, the North Greenville Hospital will continue as one of its flagship COVID-19 treatment sites. James said team members there have done an exceptional job of caring for those patients.

“Prisma Health remains committed to meeting the medical needs of the North Greenville community in a manner that provides quality, accessible and affordable care,” said James. “Our goal is to improve the overall health of our communities, and managing primary-care needs like chronic disease management is a major component of that. Given the low use of the North Greenville emergency department and the proximity of other nearby emergency departments, this is a step to be smarter about how we provide care – and, hopefully, with this new clinic, we can make more of a long-term patient impact.”

When the Emergency Department was open, less than one patient presented to the ED every two hours in the nighttime. Likewise, approximately 90% of the patients who sought care could have been treated in a physician’s office or urgent care setting.

 “As our communities change, it makes sense for us to change with them. We look forward to growing more local healthcare opportunities in the future,” said James.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, Oct. 24

Press Release

Program aimed at removing unused drugs from the home to avoid recreational use

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health hospitals are participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 24. National Prescription Take Back Day aims to provide safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs.

The service is free and anonymous. No sharps or syringes will be accepted, and all locations for the special event will be manned by security.

As part of the Midlands Regional Trauma Advisory Committee and a Level I Trauma Center, Prisma Health Richland Hospital provides community education and outreach. Bebbyn Alford, PharmD, diversion prevention coordinator with Prisma Health Pharmacy, said, “At Prisma Health, we strive to educate and inform the community about the potential for abuse and harm of prescription pain relievers. The national opioid crisis continues to claim countless lives, but, through our collaborative efforts with local hospitals and EMS agencies, we are excited to do our part by being a collection site for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is imperative that unused prescription drugs are not getting into the wrong hands for recreational use.”

Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital also provides community education and outreach as a Level I Trauma Center. Some of the Upstate hospitals have locked prescription drop boxes available at all times.

Prisma Health Hospitals participating in Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, include:

Midlands hospitals:

  • Prisma Health Richland Hospital
    • In front of 5 Richland Medical Park main entrance.
    • Table will be on front lawn.

Upstate hospitals:

  • Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital                 
    • In front of the main entrance (Take Back Bin is next to Upstate Pharmacy on 1st floor).
  • Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital                         
    • In front of main entrance (Take Back Bin is inside the Main Entrance).
  • Prisma Health Hillcrest Hospital                     
    • In front of ER entrance (Take Back Bin is outside next to ER Entrance).
  • Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital                      
    • In front of ER entrance (Take Back Bin is outside next to ER Entrance).

Last October, Americans turned in almost 1 million pounds of prescription drugs at over 6,200 sites operated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. DEA encourages families to turn in medicines:

  • Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.
  • Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. 
  • Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
  • Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about Prisma Health, visit PrismaHealth.org.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,947 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health adds new breast cancer surgery tool to its arsenal to help improve patient experience and streamline surgical procedures

Press Release

COLUMBIA, S.C.—Prisma Health-Midlands is proud to add a new breast cancer surgery tool, known as Magseed® device, to help simplify breast cancer treatment, improve accuracy and provide a better patient experience. The device is a small radiation-free seed-like device that is easily placed by the radiologist up to 30 days before surgery. It is designed to accurately mark the site of cancerous tissue and help with its removal in surgery, enabling a more flexible and precise tumor localization, while also reducing the need for invasive day-of procedures involving placing a wire or wires through the breast tissue. Prisma Health Richland Hospital is the first hospital in Midlands to have this tool. 

Bringing this new product to Prisma Health patients was led by senior medical director of Oncology Services at Prisma Health–Midlands, Dr. Julian Kim. He is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist with more than 25 years of experience in the management of patients with cancers of the breast. He believes the less invasive procedure offers increased dignity to patients who may already be dealing with the emotional toll of losing part or all of their breast. 

“A positive patient experience is paramount at Prisma Heath, but it is vastly important in the treatment of cancer. My female patients have often shared what it feels like, emotionally, to essentially lose a part of themselves that is so closely connected to their femininity. It can leave them feeling deformed,” said Kim. “Older techniques involving long wire detectors the morning of surgery can compound this feeling, degrading the patient experience. I believe it is our jobs as physicians to seek innovative ways that can save lives, but also preserve dignity.”

Smaller than a grain of rice, the device is highly visible using ultrasound and other imaging techniques. This allows the device to be accessed by Prisma Health surgeons from any approach and offers guidance to the distance of the cancerous lesion through the use of a magnetic indicator. The device has been internationally praised by physicians for addressing technical, logistical, and potential safety issues associated with other localization procedures involving wires or radioactive seeds. The introduction of the Magseed is a positive step forward in Prisma Health’s continued focus on elevating the patient experience and improving patient outcomes.

“We want our patients to feel that we are considering all aspects of their breast cancer treatment, be it addressing their physical needs or their emotional ones. Fortunately, adding this tool allows us to do both,” said Kim. “As we begin using this with our patients, I look forward to the good this will bring to them, their families, and to the staff working daily to save and enhance lives.”

The device was fully funded by generous donors of Prisma Health Midlands Foundation. The Atrium Society and The Cavalry, annual giving societies supporting Prisma Health Cancer Centers, led a campaign to raise more than $63,000 in funding.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,947 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

About Dr. Julian Kim
Julian Kim, MD, is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist with more than 25 years of experience in the management of patients with cancers of the breast, skin (including melanoma) and soft tissue sarcomas of the trunk and abdomen. He also treats patients with cancer of the stomach and small intestine, including performance of palliative surgery for metastatic disease. Kim has experience in nipple-sparing mastectomy and oncoplastic breast surgery.

He is board certified in general surgery and participates in acute-care surgery coverage for Prisma Health Richland Hospital. Dr. Kim serves as the senior medical director of Oncology Services at Prisma Health–Midlands and has spent his entire career working in National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. His previous positions include practice at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, and serving as the inaugural chief medical officer of the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Hospital, also in Cleveland.