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Press Release

Prisma Health to acquire KershawHealth and Providence Health

Press Release

South Carolina health system signs agreement to purchase facilities from LifePoint Health; enhances focus on ensuring high-quality, accessible healthcare and improving the health and well-being of communities

Greenville, SC and Brentwood, TN (March 5, 2020)—Prisma Health and LifePoint Health® today announced that they have signed an agreement for Prisma Health–Midlands to acquire KershawHealth in Camden, South Carolina, and Providence Health in Columbia, South Carolina. The addition of KershawHealth and Providence will provide Prisma Health–Midlands new opportunities to advance the delivery of accessible high-quality care in communities across the regions it serves.

“We are delighted at the prospect of welcoming the Providence and KershawHealth teams to the Prisma Health family,” said Mark O’Halla, President and Chief Executive Officer of Prisma Health.

“Providence and KershawHealth are known to share our commitment to improving patient experiences, clinical quality and access to care. We look forward to continuing our mutual goal of enhancing the health of our communities.”

Prisma Health is serving more than 1.2 million unique patients across the Midlands and the Upstate each year. This acquisition would add three hospitals to Prisma Health–Midlands: Providence Health and Providence Health Northeast, KershawHealth, and a freestanding emergency room in Fairfield County.

Under the terms of its asset purchase agreement with LifePoint, the facilities will be integrated into Prisma Health–Midlands, creating the foundation of a delivery system that could transform healthcare for the Midlands and all of South Carolina. Examples would include expanding centers of excellence in clinical areas such as cardiovascular, women’s health, orthopedics and pediatrics that neither organization could do alone.

Prisma Health–Midlands operates under the Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in 1997. On February 28, 2020, DHEC updated the COPA Agreement Conditions to address the addition of the Providence Health and KershawHealth assets.

“Ensuring that we maintain access to healthcare in South Carolina’s rural communities has been a priority of my administration, but we’ve always known that the private sector would be our most important partners in reaching that goal,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “This proposed acquisition would provide new opportunities to enhance clinical quality and improve access to affordable care for patients in the Midlands and beyond, but it also shows that Prisma Health is committed to the communities it serves, and for that, we should all be grateful.”

“Joining Prisma Health offers exciting opportunities for everyone at KershawHealth and Providence as well as the communities we serve,” said Terry Gunn, FACHE, Market Chief Executive Officer for KershawHealth and Providence Health. “Being part of a regional system allows us to offer our patients access to a wider array of services and explore new ways to improve the health and well-being of people of all ages.”

KershawHealth was founded in 1913 as Camden Hospital and joined LifePoint in 2018. Over the last century, it has evolved into a comprehensive health system with locations in Camden, Elgin, Lugoff and Kershaw. These include the Medical Center at Camden, Outpatient Center and Urgent Care at Elgin, West Wateree Medical Complex, Sleep Diagnostics Center, and Physical Therapy at Kershaw.

Founded in 1938, Providence Health, which LifePoint has owned since 2016, serves Columbia and surrounding communities through two full-service hospitals, one freestanding emergency room and a network of physician practices, sleep centers, cardiac rehab facilities, and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy locations across the region.

“We are proud of all we have accomplished together with the KershawHealth and Providence teams, and the decision to transition ownership of these hospitals was a difficult one,” said Jamie Carter, Eastern Division President, LifePoint Health. “However, there is tremendous value in regional collaboration, and we believe that by joining Prisma Health, KershawHealth and Providence will have unique opportunities to positively impact the lives of even more people than they do today.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to advance our efforts to create a better state of health for South Carolina with the addition of the KershawHealth and Providence Health hospitals, clinics, physicians, nurses and other team members,” said O’Halla. “We look forward to building on our longstanding relationships in Richland County, and starting new and positive ones with the citizens of Kershaw and Fairfield counties.”

The completion of the acquisition is pending the fulfillment of customary legal and regulatory requirements.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and South Carolina’s largest private employer. 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. The organization was formed in late 2017 when Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health came together, officially becoming Prisma Health in January 2019. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

About LifePoint Health®
LifePoint Health is a leading healthcare company dedicated to Making Communities Healthier®. Through its subsidiaries, it provides quality inpatient, outpatient and post-acute services close to home. LifePoint owns and operates community hospitals, regional health systems, physician practices, outpatient centers and post-acute facilities across the country. It is the sole community healthcare provider in the majority of the non-urban communities it serves. More information about the company can be found at LifePointHealth.net.

About KershawHealth
Founded in 1913 as Camden Hospital, KershawHealth is a full-service healthcare system proudly serving its community members in Kershaw County and the surrounding areas. A part of LifePoint Health, KershawHealth consist of facilities in Camden, Elgin, Lugoff and Kershaw, including a 119-bed Medical Center and a 20-bed Geriatric Psychiatric Unit in Camden, Outpatient Center and Urgent Care in Elgin, Sleep Diagnostics Center, and Physical Therapy ready to care for you. KershawHealth employs more than 700 dedicated staff. For more information, visit KershawHealth.org.

About Providence Health
Founded in 1938 by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Providence Health is a full-service healthcare system serving the Midlands of South Carolina. A part of LifePoint Health, Providence consists of two hospitals, a freestanding Emergency Room in Fairfield County and multiple physician practices, rehabilitation centers, sleep centers, imaging and diagnostics labs, and other services. Providence Health’s downtown Columbia hospital specializes in high acuity care, while its Northeast Columbia campus recently transitioned from a specialty facility to a full-service community hospital. Providence employs more than 1,600 dedicated staff. For more information, visit YourProvidenceHealth.com.

Donors to receive free COVID-19 antibody testing at Upstate community blood drive

Press Release

Prisma Health to support its local blood supplier

GREENVILLE, SC—A month after the announcement of The Blood

Connection’s COVID-19 antibody testing program, Prisma Health and The Blood Connection (TBC) are partnering to host a large community blood drive at the Greenville Convention Center (1 Exposition Dr.). The blood drive is set for Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m inside the convention center. Those who complete a blood donation at this drive will receive free COVID-19 antibody testing. For every donor, $10 will be donated to United Way of Greenville County and donors will also receive a $10 VISA card. Since TBC is the exclusive blood provider for every Upstate hospital, this collaboration will boost community collection efforts during this unprecedented time of social distancing and safety concerns.

“The Blood Connection is the Upstate community source for blood that is used to care for our patients. A single blood donation is divided into components that can help multiple patients with a variety of conditions. It is truly the ‘gift of life,’” said Jesse Stafford, MD, Chief Clinical Officer for Laboratory Services, Prisma Health.

TBC began offering COVID-19 antibody testing to all donors at no cost in May. The test, which will provide blood donors with a positive or negative result in seven business days, will be included in the normal panel of testing that is done to all complete blood donations. Donors do not need to opt in to this testing. TBC wants to ensure that all donors are aware that this is not a diagnostic test for COVID-19 infection. The FDA and the CDC have both said that a positive antibody test result does not prove the individual has immunity to the virus and that research of the antibodies is still being conducted.

All Upstate hospitals, including Prisma Health, exclusively receive their blood products from TBC. Those products help hundreds of local patients per year. The Greenville Convention Center was chosen because it allows for the recommended social distancing space between donors. TBC ensures that all donors are healthy through wellness screenings prior to their donation and the organization is taking extra precautionary measures to ensure donation sites are clean places to

donate blood. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, blood centers and hospitals are pleading for anyone who is feeling healthy to do their part and donate blood.

These special precautions will be taken during this drive to limit exposure and encourage social distancing:

  • Donor flow will be set up to limit interaction between donors if there is a wait.
  • All TBC staff will be wearing masks. Donors are encouraged to wear masks; however, they will not be provided.
  • Donor chairs will be spaced as far apart as possible.
  • Donors are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to control social distancing. Make an appointment by visiting TheBloodConnection.org/Donate-Blood or by calling 800-392-6551.

Signage will direct donors to the drive entrance and free parking will be available. Appointments are strongly recommended in order to control social distancing and limit interaction. Donors can find their antibody test results in their online donor portal (not on the TBC app) seven business days after donation. Donors can make an appointment at TheBloodConnection.org/Donate-Blood. To contact TBC, please call 800-392-6551.

TBC emphasizes these facts about donating blood during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC), there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted COVID-19. Individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 through the blood donation process or via a blood transfusion, since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by donation or transfusion.
  • America’s Blood Centers and the FDA have both stated that a blood drive is not considered a mass gathering or an event, as donating blood is an “essential civic duty.”
  • TBC follows appropriate infection control standards of donor rooms and mobiles, which include sanitation of donor waiting rooms and donation chairs. TBC has increased decontamination of surfaces in centers and on blood mobiles.
  • The Blood Connection staff will complete a full health screening for all donors prior to donating blood. This includes a questionnaire (which includes travel questions), temperature check, and mini-physical.
  • Blood centers are not healthcare providers and thus do not provide COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

About The Blood Connection

The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. Founded in Greenville, South Carolina, TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to more than 70 hospitals within Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community,

TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit TheBloodConnection.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 five additional COVID-19 community testing events for week of June 14–20

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has announced five additional COVID-19 community testing events this week, including one offered in partnership with Benedict College and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The community testing, primarily done in partnership with the South Carolina 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 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Upstate locations

  • Thursday, June 18, Fountain Inn Elementary School, 608 Fairview St., Fountain Inn.
  • Saturday, June 20, James M. Brown Elementary School, 225 Coffee Rd., Walhalla.

Midlands locations

  • Tuesday, June 16, Hyatt Park Elementary School, 4200 Main St., Columbia.
  • Thursday, June 18, Memorial Stadium, 1000 S. Holly St., Columbia.

Community partner location

A community collaboration with Benedict College, Charlamagne Tha God and Third Eye Awareness Foundation, AlphaMedia’s–Hot 103.9 and The Big DM, Mr. Seafood Restaurant, Nephron Pharmaceuticals and event partners: City of Columbia, Richland County Sheriff’s Dept., City of Columbia Police Dept. and S.C. National Guard.

  • Friday–Saturday, June 19–20,10 a.m.–3 p.m. (drive-thru only) Benedict College, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, 2047 Two Notch Rd., 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.

Additional sites are expected to be announced in the weeks to come. For details of additional sites or to ensure that inclement weather hasn’t affected scheduled drive-through sites, 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.

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

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.
For more information about the Prisma Health Rapid Innovation Taskforce, visit https://saprismahealth.wpengine.com/rapidinnovation

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.

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 www.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 wound centers earn highest clinical honors in the state

Press Release

Wound healing is vital in South Carolina with the high rate of diabetes

Greenville, SC—The Wound Healing Centers at Prisma Health Baptist Easley and Prisma Health Tuomey hospitals have earned the Healogics Presidents Circle Award for outstanding clinical performance. The Presidents Circle is reserved for those centers that exceed all quality goals and patient volume goals in a calendar year. They are the only two in the state to earn this prestigious award this year

Both centers were also named Centers of Distinction, along with The Upstate Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center, which is part of Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital. This honor recognizes excellence in key performance areas as well.

The wound centers at Prisma Health Baptist Easley and Prisma Health Tuomey hospitals achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal.

“We are laser-focused on providing the best care possible,” said Robyn Boan, director of the Tuomey Wound Healing Center. “We always provide a high level of care, but we made it a goal to achieve these metrics. It takes a whole team to care for a patient; our case managing nurses guide that care, and they keep an eye on any dips in patient satisfaction, healing rates and other key performance indicators so that we can respond immediately.”

“To be in the top 5 percent of more than 630 centers nationwide is quite the honor,” said Megan Harrington, director of the Baptist Easley Wound Care Center. Her clinic has earned Center of Distinction awards four times in the past, and won the Robert E. Warriner Clinical Excellence award twice.

“We’ve been truly fortunate to have such a great group of doctors, nurses, and administrative personnel working together to provide this essential community service,” Harrington said. “What sets us apart from other wound care facilities is the guidance and collaboration between Prisma Health and Healogics. Their leadership have provided support and direction that help to make us effective in our purpose.”

Prisma Health wound centers offer hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which has proven effective in reducing swelling, fighting infection and building new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. The centers also employ vascular studies, nutritional assessments, tissue culturing and pathology, revascularization, skin grafting, and clinical or surgical debridement. Vein ablation services are offered in addition to a number of other leading-edge treatments including negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

Teresa Asman, director of the Upstate wound center, added, ”Our team at Laurens has always been committed to providing the highest possible clinical and individualized care to our patients, as evidenced by being recognized with the Center of Distinction award for nine years. Because of the dedication and hard work of this team since 2005, we have also received the prestigious Robert E. Warriner Clinical Excellence award for four years, as well as the President’s Circle award in 2013.”

Healogics data shows that patients with wounds who do not receive care at a wound center are 20 times more likely to end up in the emergency department or be admitted to the hospital. The company established the first week in June as Wound Care Awareness Week to bring attention to the chronic wound epidemic and the 6.7 million Americans who are currently living with non-healing wounds.

“Providing the highest level of patient and clinical experience is our goal every single day,” Asman said. “We get just as excited as the patients and their families when the patients get to ring the ‘Healing Bell’ as we all become part of a large family.”

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 partners with DHEC and community partners to offer near-daily testing opportunities June 8–13

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has announced near-daily COVID-19 community testing events throughout South Carolina June 8–13, including in Cayce, Columbia, Greenville, Laurens, Manning, Mauldin and Sumter.

The community testing, done in partnership with the South Carolina 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.

This week’s testing will also include Monday–Saturday testing at the Greenville Convention Center in partnership with DHEC, Prisma Health, Greenville County Emergency Response Team and the Upstate Healthcare Coalition.

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:

  • Monday, June 8–Saturday, June 13, Greenville Convention Center
    9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday
  • Tuesday, June 9, Mauldin
    10 a.m.–2 p.m., Mauldin Elementary School, 1194 Holland Rd., Simpsonville.
  • Thursday, June 11, Laurens
    10 a.m.–2 p.m., E.B. Morse Elementary School, 200 Parkview Dr., Laurens.
  • Saturday, June 13, Greenville
    10 a.m.–2 p.m., Duncan Chapel Elementary School, 210 Duncan Chapel Rd., Greenville.

Midlands locations:

  • Wednesday, June 10, Manning
    10 a.m.–6 p.m., Manning Junior High School, 1101 W.L. Hamilton Rd., Manning.
    This event is in partnership with McLeod Health and Prisma Health. Please note extended time.
  • Thursday, June 11, Sumter
    10 a.m.–2 p.m., Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 4235 Nazarene Church Rd., Sumter.
  • Saturday, June 13, Cayce
    10 a.m.–2 p.m., Cayce Elementary School, 515 Bulldog Blvd., Cayce.

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 testresults – whether positive or negative – from providers at Prisma Health.
  • Everyone will get tips on isolating at home if sick, caring forthemselves 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.