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Press Release

Testing site changes for the weekend, Labor Day

Press Release

Due to possible inclement weather from the remnants of Hurricane Laura, Prisma Health’s COVID-19 community testing in Simpsonville and Columbia has been canceled Saturday, Aug. 29. The Greenville site is located at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville; the Columbia site is at 2204 Lee St. in Columbia.

All hospital-based drive-through testing sites in the Upstate also will be closed this weekend because of inclement weather concerns. Midlands is hospital-based drive-through testing sites are open.

Labor Day weekend testing:

  • Community testing sites will be closed during the coming Labor Day weekend.
  • In the Upstate, hospital-based drive-through testing sites will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7.
  • In the Midlands, hospital-based drive-through testing sites will be closed Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7.

For more information about COVID-19 testing available through Prisma Health, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus.

Prisma Health continues to raise community awareness about shared responsibility and the importance of COVID-19 precautions with a team member T-shirt campaign

Press Release

30,000 team members asked to wear their Prisma Health shirt on Aug. 1 to help remind the community to help flatten the curve

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health is at the center of caring for many of South Carolina’s COVID-19 patients. As of July 31, the hospital system has cared for more than 2,138 COVID-19 inpatients and tested more than 114,000 through its testing sites in its hospitals and the community. 

To continue to raise community awareness about the importance of COVID-19 precautions, Prisma Health’s 30,000 team members are asked to wear their Prisma Health shirt on Aug. 1 to help remind the community of their shared responsibility to help flatten the curve. 

Every Prisma Health team member has been given a T-shirt with preventive messaging and asked to sign a promise poster to indicate their promise to adhere to COVID-19 precautions everywhere. 

Scott Sasser, MD, Prisma Health’s COVID-19 response leader, said, “We know that our team members make sacrifices every day. But we have seen their true resilience in the face of this pandemic, and we are very proud of them for their relentless commitment to caring for our communities. This community awareness campaign is another way that we are reminding everyone that stopping the spread of this disease is in the hands of each of us. We must do our part. Join us in this battle!” 

The T-shirt reminds the community to:

  • Stand six feet apart
  • Wear masks
  • Wash hands
  • Disinfect often
  • Cover cough 

To kick off the community awareness campaign, team members were asked to wear their shirts—at home, exercising, working outside or on a quick trip to the grocery store, on Saturday, Aug. 1, and post those photos on social media using #BeSmartStandApart and tagging one of the following platforms:

The Prisma Health social media team will repost some of the photos across its channels.

Prisma Health has been providing expert health and medical information as well as care and testing, including through its COVID-19 resource page, PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus, media coverage and other communication platforms. Leadership also recognizes that team members, as both front-line workers and community members, are important community ambassadors in sharing vital public health information needed to help stop the spread of disease.

Prisma Health achieves national recognition in U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek’s annual best maternity hospitals rankings

Press Release

Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital in nation’s top 50 hospitals for gynecology

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital has been ranked one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation for gynecology, according to the U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals Rankings released this week.

Prisma Health also was ranked as high-performing in several other specialties and procedures, including cardiology, colon cancer surgery and orthopedics. High-performing hospitals fall in the top 10% of hospitals analyzed for this report, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Prisma Health hospitals and specialties recognized by U.S. News and World Report include:

  • Prisma Health Baptist Hospital (Columbia, S.C.) – high-performing in knee replacement, hip replacement, colon cancer surgery.
  • Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (Greenville, S.C.) – top 50 in gynecology, high-performing in heart failure, colon cancer surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Prisma Health Patewood Hospital (Greenville, S.C.) – high performing in knee replacement, hip replacement.
  • Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital (Seneca, S.C.) – high performing in heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Prisma Health Richland Hospital (Columbia, S.C.) – high performing in heart failure, COPD.
  • Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital (Sumter, S.C.) – high performing in heart failure, COPD.

The national rankings take into account exceptional care for high-risk patients, expertise of clinical staff, availability of advanced clinical technologies and patient experience.

“On behalf of all of us in the department–doctors, nurses, midwives and sonographers–we are absolutely thrilled to be recognized again this year as a national leader in Obstetrics and Gynecology and to bring that recognition home to South Carolina,” said Kacey Eichelberger, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology for Prisma Health–Upstate. “Exceptional care for women is what drives us – it’s who we are and why we show up for work every day. We are so grateful for all of our patients who trust us to deliver their babies, perform their surgeries and walk with them through the course of their lives.” 

In addition, three Prisma Health hospitals were ranked among the Best Maternity Hospitals nationally, according to Newsweek’s annual list which includes 231 hospitals across 36 states. Newsweek partnered with The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that reports on the safety and quality performance of U.S. health care facilities.

Prisma Health maternity hospitals recognized by Newsweek include:

  • Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (Greenville, S.C.)
  • Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital (Seneca, S.C.)
  • Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital (Clinton, S.C.) 

“These recognitions demonstrate our commitment to excellence in care delivery,” said Angelo Sinopoli, MD, chief clinical officer of Prisma Health. “Our patients interact with us at many touchpoints across the system. No matter where they meet us, these honors demonstrate that we have the breadth and depth of expertise to help them achieve a better state of health.”

U.S. News & World Report analyzed data collected from nearly 5,000 medical centers to compile its annual Best Hospitals rankings.

A panel of national experts advised Leapfrog on standards for excellence in maternity care. The facilities cited by Newsweek as Best Maternity Hospitals 2020 are an elite group demonstrating excellence in maternity care.

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.

Greenville Health Authority awards more than $20 million in community grants

Feature, Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Following a unanimous vote today, (Wednesday, July 29), the Greenville Health Authority (GHA) Board of Trustees awarded 15 new grants through its Healthy Greenville program, bringing the total amount of its community health-focused grants to more than $20 million since the program launched four years ago.

Just-awarded grants benefit a range of projects, including homes for those with severe disabilities who are also experiencing chronic homelessness, a program to expand virtual services to those with Parkinson’s disease and repurposing a school bus into a mobile café to reach children and senior citizens at risk for hunger.

“The Greenville Health Authority Board of Trustees is very excited to award a $500,000 grant over the next three years to United Housing Connections toward the building of its innovative Church Street Place,” said Mike Ellison, the GHA grant committee chairman. “This award aligns with the Community Health Needs Assessment for Greenville County and with the GHA vision to help make Greenville County the healthiest county in America.”

“Housing and healthcare go hand in hand,” said Lorain Crowl, executive director of United Housing Connections. “We are so proud to partner with Prisma Health to create 36 homes for some of the most vulnerable citizens in our Greenville Community – those with severe mental or physical disabilities who are experiencing chronic homelessness. On behalf of those who will call Church Street Place at Poe Mill home, thank you!”

Construction is scheduled to begin by the summer of 2021, with the project projected to be ready for occupancy by winter 2022. The development will provide housing stability for individuals with chronic complex needs that are challenging to serve in other housing models, as well as a stable and harm-reducing housing platform that provides wellness opportunities and access to quality healthcare.

“With the United Housing Connections award and the other 14 Healthy Greenville and Healthy Greenville, Too awards made this year, Greenville Health Authority has now pledged more than $20 million in grants through 2020. Of that $20 million, almost $16 million has already been distributed to organizations making a difference in the health and well-being of the communities where we live and serve,” said Ellison. “My fellow trustees and I continue to be proud and excited to be a part of this organization and these grant initiatives that will make a difference for generations to come.”

This year’s recipients include a one-year $25,662 grant and 13 one-year micro-grants under $8,000. By 2052, the program is expected to invest more than $136 million into health programs directly benefitting Greenville County; the health benefits are expected to be felt outside of the county as well.

The other macro-grant awarded this year is to the Greenville Area Parkinson Society, which received a $25,662 one-year grant to support technology initiatives to expand its virtual services. The support, which includes iPads for members and an online platform, will allow homebound members and those with transportation obstacles to gain social, educational and physical support

In addition, 13 programs will receive micro-grants of $7,692 for one-year support:

  • Center for Educational Equity will receive support for outreach and support targeting at-risk students. The program features a structured after-school environment that advocates academics and fitness.
  • Upstate Circle of Friends Neighborhood Mobile Café will receive a grant to repurpose a school bus into a mobile café to reach up to 200 children at risk for hunger. The project will maintain the program’s focus on youth residing in low-income housing areas but also will benefit senior citizens identified through a just-completed COVID-19 feeding program.
  • The Greenville Tech Foundation received support for its Greenville Technical College Education & Prevention to Improve Community Dental Care (GTC EPIC Dental Care). The clinic plans to serve more than 1,500 people in 2020.
  • International Ballet will receive support for its innovative accessibility dance classes. The group hopes to restart the classes in mid-August, with conditioning mats designated personally to each participant and disinfected after each use.
  • Jasmine Road Inc. will receive support for its transformational two-year “housing-first” residential program. The project will provide access to mental and behavioral healthcare services for its residents.
  • LEAD Collective Inc. will receive support to hire a part-time intern from the Nicholtown community to help with the Eleos After School program for middle school and high school students. The after-school program includes tutoring, creative arts, sports, healthy meals and free counseling through a new partnership with the Heritage Family Center.
  • Meals on Wheels Greenville will receive additional support for specialty meals for patients facing physical limitations.
  • North Greenville Crisis Ministry will use the additional support to provide rent or utility assistance for more families in need of crisis assistance.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas supports the efforts of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in its work to care for medically fragile children, with the Ronald McDonald House ensuring that children’s families are close by and able to provide emotional support to them.
  • Safe Harbor Inc. will use the grant to provide mental health counseling for victims of domestic violence.
  • Sustaining Way will use this grant to improve the health and well-being of Greenville’s Nicholtown community through its youth stewardship, home energy efficiency outreach and gardening programs.
  • SWITCH’s Restoration Program will provide comprehensive support services for up to 20 women in Greenville County who are survivors of human trafficking or sexual exploitation. Assistance can include short-term crisis management and long-term integrated care using an individualized case management approach focused on targeted interventions.
  • YouthBASE, a free afterschool and summer program, equips children in kindergarten through second grade – and their families – with additional support to overcome behavioral, academic, social and emotional difficulties.

As part of a lease agreement with Prisma Health–Upstate, Greenville Health Authority oversees the Healthy Greenville grants program. Prisma Health-Upstate provides Greenville Health Authority an annual commitment of $4 million for the Healthy Greenville program to support health-related care, health research and health education initiatives benefiting the residents of Greenville County.

For more information about GHA’s grants program, visit https://greenvillehealthauthority.org/

Prisma Health holds six COVID-19 community testing events for the week of July 26

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has announced six additional COVID-19 community testing events this week. Testing will be offered in Columbia, Lexington, Mauldin and Travelers Rest.

The community testing, primarily done in partnership with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and state agencies, will reach populations who may not otherwise have access to traditional testing or online virtual visits.

Upstate locations

Tuesday, July 28, 8 a.m.–noon

  • Travelers Rest High School, 301 N. Main St., Travelers Rest.

Friday–Saturday, July 31–Aug. 1, 8 a.m.–noon

  • Mauldin High School, 701 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin.

Midlands locations

Tuesday, July 28, 8 a.m.–noon

  • Longleaf Middle School, 1160 Longreen Pkwy., Columbia.

Friday–Saturday, July 31–Aug. 1, 8 a.m.–noon

  • River Bluff High School, 320 Corley Mill Rd., Lexington.

Here is what community members should know about community testing sites:

  • All those who think they might have COVID-19 will be tested.
  • No one needs a doctor’s order. No one needs a doctor’s order at community sites. (Physician-ordered testing for patients who already have providers, have completed a Virtual Visit or need pre-surgical testing takes place at hospital-based testing sites as instructed by their providers.)
  • Testing will be given regardless of ability to pay.
  • No appointment is needed.
  • Spanish-speaking Prisma Health team members will be available at every site.
  • All those taking part will be given masks when they arrive. They will also be asked to maintain social distancing.
  • Test results should come back within four days.
  • Everyone tested will receive follow-up information about test results – whether positive or negative – from providers at Prisma Health.
  • Everyone will get tips on isolating at home if sick, caring for themselves and seeking more help if symptoms worsen.

Additional sites will be announced as schedules are confirmed. For details of additional sites or to ensure that inclement weather hasn’t affected scheduled drive-through sites, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus

For more information on COVID-19 testing in S.C., visit SCDHEC.gov/COVID19MobileClinics or SCDHEC.gov/COVID19Testing.

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 announces six additional COVID-19 community testing events for the week of July 20

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has announced six additional COVID-19 community testing events next week.

The community testing, primarily done in partnership with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and state agencies, will reach populations who may not otherwise have access to traditional testing or online virtual visits. 

Testing is a priority for Prisma Health, especially providing access to communities that need it the most. Testing at this week’s sites will be provided 8 a.m.–noon.

Upstate locations 

  • Tuesday, July 21, Clinton High School, 18132 SC-72E, Clinton.
  • Friday–Saturday, July 24–25, Eastside High School, 1300 Brushy Creek Rd., Taylors.

Midlands locations

  • Tuesday, July 21, Chester High School, 1330 J.A. Cochran Bypass, Chester.
  • Friday–Saturday, July 24–25, A.C. Flora High School, 100 Falcon Dr., Columbia.

Prisma Health officials also cautioned that the community testing sites are only intended for free community testing. Physician-ordered testing for patients who already have providers, have completed a Virtual Visit or need pre-surgical testing should take place at hospital-based testing sites as instructed by their providers.

Here is what community members should know about community testing sites:

  • People will be tested for active COVID-19 infections.
  • No one needs a doctor’s order.
  • Testing will be given regardless of ability to pay.
  • No appointment is needed.
  • Spanish-speaking Prisma Health team members will be available at every site.
  • All those taking part will be given masks when they arrive. They will also be asked to maintain social distancing.
  • Test results should come back within four days.
  • Everyone tested will receive follow-up information about test results – whether positive or negative – from providers at Prisma Health.
  • Everyone will get tips on isolating at home if sick, caring for themselves and seeking more help if symptoms worsen.

For details of additional sites or to ensure that inclement weather hasn’t affected scheduled drive-through sites, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus.

For more information on COVID-19 testing in S.C., visit SCDHEC.gov/Covid19MobileClinics or  SCDHEC.gov/Covid19Testing.

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.