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Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital team helps N.C. grandmother set up for an all-day Facetime connection to coach daughter through labor due to COVID-19 visitor restrictions

Press Release

Tomiko Plummer wasn’t about to let a pandemic stop her from being with her daughter during the birth of her first child. But COVID-19 had restricted visitors in Labor and Delivery to one support person, and her daughter’s husband was already planning to be in the delivery room.

So, she did what any tech-savvy grandma would do: She loaded up her phone, tablet and laptop and some extra cords and headed down to Sumter from Goldsboro, N.C.

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital provided her two portable chargers so that she didn’t have to worry about the batteries running out on her devices.

“We are so grateful for the technology that gives us the ability to help families share in these memorable moments,” said Barbara Kenaway, manager of the Nursery and Family Place.

The hospital uses an iPad to help moms connect with their families before and after delivery. They can use Facetime to give children at home a glimpse of their new sibling or introduce a grandparent to the newest grandchild. The team can also help family members check in on someone who has come from a surgery.

“We had a new mom who had a cesarean section and was unable to see her baby right away,” Kenawy said. “Dad was in the Nursery Facetiming her, so she didn’t have to wait to see her newborn child.”

Kelisia Darden-Artis said she was happy her mom would be close by as she was induced on June 11, two weeks after her baby’s due date. She and husband Xavier Artis were in Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in The Birthplace while Grandmother Tomiko was seated on a bench in the courtyard of the Women and Children’s Pavilion.  

“This is my first one and I wanted my momma to be here,” Kelisia said, “but with Facetime, I’ll feel like she’s right there.”

“It was overwhelming,” Tomiko said. “This baby was going to be born into a world in crisis, with a pandemic and all the protests. I didn’t want to disappoint her, and I wanted to be there to coach her through it. So, I brought my MacBook and iPad and iPhones – two of them! – and my Dallas Cowboys blanket, and I’ve found a place to ‘camp out’ during the laboring. COVID is not going to stop me from being there for my girl!”

Throughout the morning of June 11, Tomiko could be heard talking to her daughter through her laptop. “I’m gonna coach you all the way through,” she said. Each time she could see on her daughter’s face that a contraction was coming, she told Kelisia, “I’m here to the end. Just breathe. Focus. Even though I’m not holding your hand, I’m right here. You’re gonna be a soldier through this. When you hear your baby girl cry, it’s gonna be worth it.”

Kelisia, who is an airman first class stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, gave birth to a baby girl, Nevaeh Artis, at 2 p.m. As promised, Mom, Dad and Grandmom were all smiles.

Prisma Health and The Blood Connection seek plasma from recovered patients to help others severely ill with COVID-19

Press Release

Prisma Health and The Blood Connection will hold two COVID-19 convalescent plasma drives in Sumter Thursday, July 9, at the Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St., and Thursday, July 30, at The American Legion Building, 34 S. Artillery Drive. The drives will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, and whole blood donations also will be collected. Whole blood donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

People who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies to the disease — proteins the body uses to fight off infections — in their blood. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. The donated blood plasma can be made into convalescent serum and given to approved patients within days.

How to donate:
To donate convalescent plasma, donors must be at least 14 days symptom-free and will be asked to provide documentation of a positive COVID-19 test result or antibody test. Positive test documentation/results can include the following:

  • A copy of the donor lab results showing a positive test for COVID-19 that shows the date of the positive test. 
  • A document from their healthcare provider stating that the donor had a positive test for COVID-19 and the date of the positive test. This document must be on the letter­head or prescription pad of the healthcare provider and must be signed and dated by the healthcare provider.
  • This is NOT a COVID-19 diagnostic testing site; antibody results do not confirm infection or immunity.

The process of donating plasma takes a little over an hour. That includes completing a questionnaire and a mini-physical, the donation itself (30-45 minutes) and a 15-minute wait period before leaving the facility. 

To donate convalescent plasma, contact Jill Williamson at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, 803-774-8658 to make an appointment.

To donate whole blood, contact The Blood Connection at 864-751-1168.

For information about COVID-19 testing site locations, a symptom checker or a free virtual exam, 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, 2,984 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 four additional COVID-19 community testing events for the week of July 5

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has announced four 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 7: Seneca Middle School, 810 W. South Fourth St., Seneca.
  • Friday–Saturday, July 10–11: Carolina High School and Academy, 2725 Anderson Rd., Greenville.

Midlands locations

  • Friday–Saturday, July 10–11: Dent Middle School, 2721 Decker Blvd., Columbia.
  • Tuesday, July 7: Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St., Sumter.

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.

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.

Community members work with Prisma Health task force to develop and manufacture face shields

Feature, Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—In both Columbia and Greenville, Prisma Health’s Rapid Innovation Task Force has partnered with local entrepreneurs to rapidly develop and manufacture large quantities of protective face shields for Prisma Health’s front-line healthcare workers.

Face shields are full-face visors worn by workers to help protect their faces from potentially infectious substances. They were identified early on by Prisma Health as a critical-needs manufacturing project to ensure its workers would continue to have access to the equipment regardless of national supply levels.

In Greenville, task force member Jerry Chang teamed with Prisma Health to develop a prototype, test, manufacture and coordinate initial delivery, with the process taking only weeks. Chang is also husband to its Upstate chief medical officer, Catherine Chang, MD.

“As local entrepreneurs, that’s our job – to make miracles happen,” said Chang, the owner and managing partner of Samaritan Biologics. “I want to thank the generous community partners who donated their time and equipment to help keep our healthcare workers and others safe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The face shields will be also be shared with first responders, nursing homes and other facilities as needed.

Partners in the Upstate face shield project also included Mitsubishi Polyester Film in Greer, Paper Cutters Inc. in Travelers Rest, American Foam and Fabric in Lyman and Roylco Industrial in Anderson. Students at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, meanwhile, assembled the face shields. The disposable plastic face shields were made at a significant cost savings because most of the work was donated or at reduced cost.

In Columbia, John Carrington is founder and CEO of Zverse, a local firm specializing in prototype design and 3D printing. His team worked with Prisma Health physicians to quickly develop a face shield designed for safety, comfort and a low unit cost. In only two days the first prototype was developed and refined by in-house designers, while Zverse reached out to their U.S. manufacturing partners equipped for mass production. The key component is the headpiece designed to hold the clear disposable visor from ear-to-ear and may be repeatedly sterilized for reuse. Once Zverse’s 3D-printed prototype was approved, their manufacturing partners in South Carolina, North Carolina and Minnesota created injection molds capable of reproducing tens of thousands of units per day and quickly began production.

“This project came to us with remarkable timing,” said Carrington. “Not only did it allow us to support a critical healthcare need in the COVID-19 crisis, we were able save and create new local jobs at a moment when we were expecting a severe business slowdown due to the pandemic. Our team knew scared front-line workers, family and friends around the country who could benefit from this, and it gave us something to rally around.”

Since launching this year, the Prisma Health Rapid Innovation Task Force has partnered with academic and business partners to quickly develop solutions to the urgent needs created by the pandemic. Early successes include innovative manufacturing such as the face shields, therapies such as convalescent serum and even donation drives with University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville to help supply community partners with protective gear and cleaning supplies.

“It’s incredible to see how our entire community stood up to help us,” said John Kudlak, DO, a Prisma Health pulmonologist and task force member. “By working closely with local industry, Prisma Health was able to source design and materials for face shields to protect our front-line healthcare workers and also our community partners.”

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.

Related media

Greenville-based MSI Mold Builders donates 30,000 “Ear Savers” to front-line workers at Prisma Health to ease potential mask-wear stress

Press Release

Person holding mask and ear saver

GREENVILLE, SC—Ear-loop surgical masks are must-have personal protective gear for health workers, but, over a 12-hour shift, the straps can painfully rub delicate around-the-ear skin. MSI Mold Builders, which has a manufacturing plant in Greenville, stepped in to make and donate 30,000 “Ear Savers” for healthcare workers at Prisma Health after being told of the need.

“Our ability to fill the need health workers had, to provide a little additional comfort, seemed like the least we could do,” said Roger C. Klouda, president of MSI Mold Builders. The Iowa-based company, which recently invested more than $2.5 million in its Greenville facility, manufactures injection molds tailored to the plastics industry. The company worked with Prisma Health to develop the six-inch neck straps onto which face-mask ear loops can be easily – and comfortably – attached.

In addition to the Ear Savers, MSI is also fast-tracking construction on molds for purification equipment and respirators as well as other equipment to assist in the fight on COVID-19 in both its Iowa and Greenville facilities, said Klouda. It’s also donated its Ear Savers to other hospital facilities, nursing homes, EMTs and first responders nationwide.

“Prisma Health is excited to partner with local company MSI Mold Builders so that we can work together to protect our frontline healthcare providers,” said Cody Reynolds, manager for technology transfer at Prisma Health’s Health Sciences Center. “Whether it’s during these pandemic times or more day-to-day life, we want our technology leaders to know that we value their expertise and want to explore options with them about ways we can improve the health of our shared communities.”

Prisma Health launched its rapid innovation taskforce as a key resource to help develop key operational and research needs around the COVID-19 epidemic. It is comprised of leaders and innovators from Prisma Health and industry and academic partners from the Health Sciences Center. It addresses real-time problems identified by clinical and operational leaders and front-line providers and then develops innovative solutions for dynamic situations.

MSI, meanwhile, followed its customer base to the Southeast – and Greenville in particular – because of Greenville’s centralized location, exceptional transportation facilities and exceptional labor force. “Greenville has an exceptional highly skilled labor force, and our plan is to continue to grow the Greenville facility,” said Klouda.

For more information about the Prisma Health Rapid Innovation Taskforce, visit PrismaHealth.org/RapidInnovation. If hospitals, nursing homes or first responders are interested in the Ear Savers, they may contact MSI Mold Builders at EarSavers@MSIMoldBuilders.com.

About MSI Mold Builders
MSI Mold Builders is a 100-person manufacturer of medium to large molds for a variety of plastic processes and industries and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa since 1971. MSI make parts for medical, agricultural, recreational vehicles, heavy truck, material handling and most other industries. MSI is a U.S- based manufacturing company that does not source Chinese molds. See more at MSIMoldBuilders.com

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 shifts testing sites to 8 a.m.–noon to help beat anticipated summer heat for week of June 21–27

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health will shift its community testing hours to 8 a.m.– noon this week to help make anticipated summer heat more comfortable for both patients and staff members during drive-through testing for COVID-19 at sites in Columbia, Duncan, Greenville, Piedmont, Swansea and Winnsboro.

The community testing, done in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and state agencies, will reach populations who may not otherwise have access to traditional testing or online virtual visits. Walk-up testing is also offered.

Testing is a priority for Prisma Health, especially providing access to communities that need it the most.

Prisma Health and its partners will offer community screenings for COVID-19 at the following locations this week:

Upstate locations:

  • Tuesday, June 23, Duncan
    8 a.m.–noon,Duncan Elementary School, 100 S. Danzler Rd., Duncan.
  • Thursday, June 25, Greenville
    8 a.m.–noon, Tanglewood Middle School, 44 Merriwoods Dr,, Greenville.
  • Saturday, June 27, Piedmont
    8 a.m.–noon, Woodmont Middle School, 325 N. Flat Rock Rd., Piedmont.

Midlands locations:

  • Tuesday, June 23, Winnsboro
    8 a.m.–noon, Fairfield Middle School, 728 U.S. Hwy. 321, Winnsboro.
  • Thursday, June 25, Swansea
    8 a.m.–noon, Swansea High School, 500 1st St., Swansea.
  • Saturday, June 27, Columbia
    8 a.m. –noon, Eau Claire High School, 4800 Monticello Rd., Columbia.

Here is what community members should know about 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.

Additional sites are expected to be announced in the weeks to come. For details, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus.

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.