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Press Release

Prisma Health launches state’s first interactive, free symptom checker for COVID-19

Press Release

Prisma Health is the first healthcare system in South Carolina to launch an interactive symptom checker for COVID-19 on its website. The service is free to everyone, regardless of whether they are patients at Prisma Health.

The click-to-chat platform, which launched Friday, April, 24, has already drawn positive comments from users for its clear content and easy 24-7 access from any computer or mobile device. The tool is available at https://saprismahealth.wpengine.com/coronavirus/ or by texting “COVID19” to 83973.

In its first five days, the tool generated nearly 3,000 clicks and was used interactively by more than 600 patients with nearly 350 meeting criteria for COVID-19 testing.

“The quick, easy feedback helps not only those individuals seeking medical advice but helps contain the spread of the virus,” said Nick Patel, MD, chief digital executive for Prisma Health and who has a 15-year background in internal medicine. “Our goal is always to look for ways to better serve our communities. We’re thrilled to offer this resource to our communities in hopes it will provide timely answers to people from the safety and comfort of their own homes.”

The interactive resource helps the community:

  • Be informed about the coronavirus.
  • Understand their exposure risk.
  • Practice prevention.
  • Check symptoms.
  • Find out where to go in their community if they need a COVID-19 test or treatment.

The click-to-chat platform can text people critical updates from the federal Centers for Disease Control Prevention and the World Health Organizations, as well as key developments about coronavirus.

Users can sign up for text alerts to stay up to date with accurate news about coronavirus, including personalized information relevant to their location, and receive recommendations on whether to follow up with their doctor or other healthcare services. 

Prisma Health partnered with industry leader Conversa on the project. Conversa’s Coronavirus Health Chat is a click-to-chat platform that works with any device that has a browser, so there is no need to download an app. The chat is fully secure and HIPAA compliant. 

The https://saprismahealth.wpengine.com/coronavirus/ site also includes information about Prisma Health’s free Virtual Visit option for patients with suspected COVID-19 and lists its community outreach hotline, 1-833-2PRISMA.

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 week of May 10–16

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has announced four additional COVID-19 community testing events in Taylors, Seneca and Columbia for this Friday and Saturday, May 15–16.

The community testing, 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.

Prisma Health is offering community screenings for COVID-19 at the following locations this week:

Upstate locations:

Friday, May 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Brook Glenn Elementary School, 2003 E. Lee Rd., Taylors 29687

Saturday, May 16: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Blue Ridge Elementary School, 995 S. Oak St., Seneca 29678

Midlands locations:

Friday, May 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Watkins-Nance Elementary School, 2525 Barhamville Rd., Columbia 29204

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Watkins-Nance Elementary School, 2525 Barhamville Rd., Columbia 29204

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.

Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands cancels Camp KEMO and Camp Wonder Hands due to COVID-19 safety concerns

Press Release

Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands has canceled this year’s Camp KEMO, a summer camp for children with cancer, and Camp Wonder Hands, a camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Both camps, offered free of charge through the generosity of community donors, plan to resume their typical programming schedule in 2021.

CAMP KEMO, in its 41st year, provides a week of soul-charging fun and outdoor therapy for its participants; patients treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and their siblings. CAMP KEMO also provides a much-needed week of respite for parents, while knowing their children are in the hands of the same physicians, nurses and staff who care for them at the hospital as well as hundreds of volunteers.

CAMP KEMO will offer virtual methods for connecting the campers and will share those details with campers once they are finalized. In addition to the week-long camp experience. CAMP KEMO Programs offers year-round events for blood disorder and oncology patients and their families. These programs include in hospital programs, mothers’ groups, teen retreats, bereavement programs and many others. The programs will resume as soon as possible.

“We know that each of our patients and their families look forward to the special memories that are made at our camps each year,” said Caughman Taylor, MD, medical director of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands. “We always are focused on the health and safety of our patients and the camp experience is part of letting children forget about their illnesses with a talented team of medical professionals and volunteers to support them. We will look forward to next year when we hope to bring back this special time.”

Children who are hard-of-hearing or deaf, from across South Carolina and surrounding states, attend Camp Wonder Hands, now in its 24th year. Campers communicate using American Sign Language (ASL), lip-reading, facial expressions and touch. Camp Wonder Hands director E.T. Taylor, RN, joins with Dr. Taylor in his sentiment about the camp and its importance.

“Camp Wonder Hands has special meaning for the campers and their families because this camp experience offers an atmosphere where deaf culture is celebrated. At camp, deaf and hard-of-hearing children are the majority—perhaps for the first time in their lives,” said E.T. Taylor. “Successful, confident adults who share their challenges serve as counselors and role models. Every day, in every activity, their beautifully expressive language is celebrated. We will miss this special time together this year but we look forward to connecting again soon.”

Although Camp Wonder Hands will not be held in person this year, camp leaders are exploring the opportunity to connect with campers in the virtual space and will offer care packages in June.
Both camps are fully funded through the generosity of community donors. Fundraising efforts continue for both camps. Donations may be made to Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, Attn: Diane Junis, 1600 Marion St., Columbia, SC, 29201, or online at PrismaHealthMidlandsFoundation.org.

For more information about Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, call 803-296-KIDS (5437) or visit PalmettoHealthChildrens.org.

About Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands is South Carolina’s first children’s hospital and has more than 150,000 children’s visits each year. It offers more than 30 subspecialties to meet the unique health care needs of children and has central South Carolina’s only Children’s Emergency Center. With more than 350 professionals who work exclusively with children, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital has a team of highly skilled and trained experts unmatched by any hospital in the Midlands. Prisma Health Children’s Hospital is the place to go for children’s medical care, because the best care matters.

Prisma Health offers limited drive-through COVID-19 testing

Press Release

Prisma Health is offering limited drive-through COVID-19 testing beginning Monday, March 16. Testing is only for patients with electronic orders from their Prisma Health provider or from a Prisma Health Virtual Visit provider. Paper orders from physicians will not be accepted.

Patients must have a provider order for the COVID-19 test and official personal identification. In Columbia, patients must have an appointment for their test.

  • Columbia hours and location:
    • Columbia: The site will operate 9 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m., Monday–Friday.
    • The Columbia site is outside Prisma Health Richland Hospital North Portal, near the Emergency Department.
  • Greenville hours and location:
    • Greenville: The site will operate 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday.
    • The Greenville site is on the Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital campus, on the lower level of the South Parking Deck.
  • Currently, Prisma Health is not able to provide testing to community members without a physician order. Plans are underway to expand testing for more people at additional sites, which will be announced as soon as possible.

Upon arrival at the drive-through location, patients will remain in their car as a sample is collected. The results from samples collected from this location will be sent to the provider or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). Care providers will provide results to the patient.

Because of likely backlog of testing at labs, patients may not receive their results for four to seven days. Patients will be contacted as soon as their result is available.

Because that healthcare provider suspects that the patient may have COVID-19, we ask that patients self-isolate at home until they hear the results of their test. This is vital to help protect the community from potential exposure. If the patient’s symptoms worsen, they should contact their physician or Prisma Health Virtual Visit provider.

For current information on home isolation and how to protect your family members from potential exposure, please review this guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This information can also be accessed online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html.

Prisma Health Virtual Visits, which launched earlier this month, include a new on-demand video option in addition to the existing online visit option. To access the free virtual visits, use promo code COVID19. To learn more about Virtual Visits or create an account, visit PrismaHealth.org/VirtualVisit.

For more information about COVID-19 and Prisma Health’s continued response, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus.

Media Assets

Prisma Health Announces Postponement of WellFest Event

Press Release

The WellFest event scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, will be postponed in an abundance of caution and concern for the wellbeing of our guests and team members. The decision to postpone is based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation on groups larger than 250 people and the situation as it stands in South Carolina today.

COVID-19 cases are occurring around the world, and this week has seen the introduction of community spread of COVID-19 in South Carolina. Prisma Health and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) officials are working to prevent the local spread of the illness as much as possible. Prisma Health is closely following the guidance updated daily from the CDC and SC DHEC.

“We have been very excited and ready to welcome Midlands’ residents to our largest annual free event promoting health and wellness. The postponement is disappointing, but it is the right thing to do in these unusual circumstances. We look forward to announcing a new date soon and thank all of our partners and registrants for their enthusiastic support of this event,” said Vince Ford, senior vice president for Community Health Services.

Prisma Health is in the process of notifying all event partners and registrants of the postponement. Any WellFest-related updates or news will be posted to our webpage PrismaHealth.org/WellFest.

Prisma Health expands visitor restrictions

Press Release

As a precaution to safeguard its patients and team members against potential COVID-19 exposure, Prisma Health is adding additional visitor restrictions, including screening questions, for all visitors entering hospitals. The change will roll out Monday, March 16, at all Prisma Health hospital and long term care facilities, including:

  • Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital, Easley
  • Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, Columbia
  • Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital, Columbia
  • Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, Columbia
  • Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate, Greenville
  • Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (GMH), Greenville
  • Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital, Greer
  • Prisma Health Heart Hospital, Columbia
  • Prisma Health Hillcrest Hospital, Simpsonville
  • Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, Laurens
  • Prisma Health Lila Doyle, Seneca
  • Prisma Health North Greenville Hospital, Travelers Rest
  • Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital, Seneca
  • Prisma Health Patewood Hospital, Greenville
  • Prisma Health Richland Hospital, Columbia
  • Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter
  • Further visitation restrictions may be enacted by select areas, and additional facility-wide measures may be implemented in the future.

“It’s important to take these precautions to ensure the health of our patients, visitors, health care providers and communities,” said Connie Steed, director of infection prevention for Prisma Health. Steed, a national leader in her field, is also president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. “By taking this proactive best-practice step, we can ensure that our hospitals remain safe places to receive high-quality care.”

Community members are asked to follow these steps when coming to visit a Prisma Health facility:

  • Check in at the main entrance, other designated entrance or Emergency Department entrance. Other doors may be locked. Signs will direct visitors to the open entrances.
  • Only one visitor per patient will be permitted.
  • Visitors will be asked questions to determine if they’ve had fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or nasal congestion in the past 24 hours. Your temperature will be taken. Visitors will also be asked about travel outside the country or exposure to a person testing positive with COVID-19.
  • Visitors with those symptoms will be asked to go home and return when they are symptom free.
  • Children less than 18 years of age will not be permitted to visit a patient in any hospital, except with approval by the patient’s physician.
  • For Prisma Health Children’s Hospital (Midlands and Upstate), visitors are limited to parents only. In the absence of one or both parents, one designated caregiver will be allowed to visit the patient. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older.

Under guidance of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Prisma Health Lila Doyle is unable to allow any family members, visitors, or non-essential personnel to visit residents at Lila Doyle. Visitation will only be allowed with special circumstances, for example end-of-life care.

As an extra precaution, Prisma Health is enacting additional practices at this time:

  • Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – in both the Midlands and Upstate – is temporarily discontinuing visitation by community groups.
  • Prisma Health is temporarily pausing volunteer service on its inpatient units, emergency departments and in other areas where volunteers have patient contact. Volunteers may be reassigned to non-patient areas.
  • Prisma Health is temporarily pausing unnecessary vendor activity in its facilities and ambulatory offices. Essential pharmaceutical and medical device representatives will be screened and allowed into facilities for specific functions. Product sales and personal food delivery vendors are restricted from entering. Each hospital is establishing a site for flower delivery and Prisma Health team members will deliver flowers within the building to patients.

For more information about COVID-19 and Prisma Health’s continued response, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus.