CareSouth Carolina is actively monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) and is taking measures to ensure the safest experience possible for our communities, patients and staff members.

CareSouth Carolina has been in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as SCDHEC, to ensure the best practices are in place for patient care, safety and staff education. The organization has formed a COVID-19 Strategic Team and has posted signs within its facilities to assist in identifying those who may be affected.

“We’ve done our homework,” said Chief Medical Director Dr. Stephen L. Smith. “We are in frequent contact with the CDC and have the best interest of the public in mind. As of right now, the likelihood of you getting this virus are slim compared to the likelihood of you getting the flu.”

Moving forward, people should still take several precautionary measures including:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Staying at home when you’re sick
• If you are sick and have to go out in public, wear a mask
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

All of these are considered the best practices to protect yourself and others from contracting the illness, according to the CDC.

If someone does meet the criteria for concern and has traveled to an area of active concern such as Washington, California or certain foreign countries, SCDHEC will approve, pay for the test, and contact the tested patient later that day with their results. Should it be positive, DHEC will provide complete education for the patient on the next steps.

At this point, CareSouth Carolina hasn’t had a patient who met the criteria to be qualified for testing in any of its 14 medical centers across the Pee Dee region.

“We’re going to continue to monitor the situation,” Dr. Smith said. “There’s no reason to panic and we’ll continue to share information and updates as they are provided through the CDC and DHEC.”

For 40 years, CareSouth Carolina has served as a medical home — a place where people experience healing, caring relationships that transform lives and our communities for the better. As growing concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19) become more prominent, I wanted to assure you we will continue to be just that— a medical home here to serve you.

I wanted to take a moment to inform you that we are actively monitoring the situation and have been taking measures for quite some time to ensure the safest experience possible. I have convened a Task Force and we conference daily.  I will also issue a daily update based on our Task Force discussions and decisions.  This is a rapidly evolving situation and things seem to change daily.

We are in regular communication with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and SCDHEC and other national and state agencies.  We have implemented Work From Home Action Plans for many staff who are not engaged in direct patient care.  We are very mindful of social distancing interventions that have proven to be effective tools for diminishing the spread of COVID-19 and are making decisions to postpone or cancel events and meetings, using virtual communication tools if feasible.  We have also begun to implement screening steps to ensure that our staff is not experiencing symptoms for which they may not be aware.

The safety and health of our patients, staff members and communities we serve continues to be the highest priority and we will provide timely updates regarding procedures, best practices and strategies moving forward.

We are dedicated to better health and the well-being for all of us.  I will stay in touch.  Stay safe.  Keep healthy.

Blessings,

Ann M Lewis, CEO

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak is impacting every aspect of our lives. It is a normal human response to develop increased fears, worries and anxieties in times of uncertainty. Anxiety may be related to the fear of getting the virus as well as how the virus will impact us financially and socially. The good news is there are evidenced-based things we can do to improve our emotional well-being:

In an effort to remain physically and emotionally healthy we should all follow the CDC guidance regarding good hygiene habits to reduce the likelihood of spreading or getting an infection.

How do we stay socially connected in a world of social distancing?  Seek support from friends, clergy and neighbors by phone, text, email, video calls and even old-fashioned letter writing. Self-expression in the form of writing out our thoughts and feelings is a very healing form of communication.

It is important to learn to cultivate a sense of calm. Here’s how:

• If the news is stressing you, reduce your exposure to the news. This is especially important close to bedtime. Disconnect from your electronic devices 30 minutes prior to sleep. To relax yourself for sleep, try reading a book and using prayer and meditation to calm your emotions. It is important to get enough sleep as sleep deprivation can come on quickly and is a leading cause of anxiety. Adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep and children require 10 to 12 hours. It will be challenging, but try to maintain a schedule for children during the time that school is canceled.
• Speaking of children, their worlds have been turned upside down with school, activities and sports cancellations. They will miss their friends and may even act-out a bit if they feel scared or bored. Answer their questions in honest, developmentally age-appropriate ways, but don’t wait until they ask you questions, children cannot always put thoughts and feelings into words. Talk to your children daily about how they feel, what they think. Reassure them that you will keep them safe and healthy and explain how.
• Don’t hold your breath! As humans we are still dealing with that primitive “flight or fight response” in times of stress. It is instinctual to hold your breath. Be aware of this and practice slow steady breathing. We can also use progressive muscle relaxation, dance, yoga or stretching, music and reading to create pleasant life experiences for ourselves.  This is a good time to resume a hobby or develop a new one. I for one am finally doing my Tai Chi video I have had for 5 years!
• Prepare but don’t panic. Avoid impulsive behaviors, such as hoarding or over-buying. It is important to be organized and thoughtful in your response to this pandemic by preparing adequately for your family, which usually means maintaining a 3 to 5 day supply of food, hygiene and other necessities.  Be sure you are prepared with enough prescription medications and vitamins and other over the counter needs.  Read more about pandemic preparedness on the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov
• Improving your sense of control and ability to cope with life stressors will go a long way towards helping you to accept current circumstances that you cannot change. Shifting your focus to those aspects of your life that you can control — such as changing your definition of a “good day” to match your current reality and problem solving to match the current circumstances. This is what is meant by “mindfulness”.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your health care provider questions. There is no such thing as a “silly question.” Knowledge is power — and knowledge reduces stress, anger and frustration.
• Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking. However, if you do begin to feel helpless, depressed, experience insomnia or loss of appetite or a stress level that you cannot control, or find that you are over using alcohol or other substances,  do not hesitate to contact your medical or mental health provider or the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This hotline is free and confidential and open 24 hours a day.
• Last but not least, be kind and caring to one another. Do not place blame. Be patient. I find it helpful to remind myself that everyone around me is going through something I have no idea about. Add to our normal life stressors, the COVID-19 fears and we need each other more than ever.

Liz Kershner, MSW, LISW-CP AP, serves as the Director of Behavioral Health at CareSouth Carolina.

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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY

County Offices:

Chesterfield County Government offices will remain open and operational, continuing to provide essential services. However, in an effort to minimize the threat of spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, the county is strongly urging the public to handle business with the County online or by phone where possible. The public is asked to call those departments directly for information and coordination. Those contact numbers can be found at: http://www.chesterfieldcountysc.com/_fileUploads/files/Press%20Release.pdf

Chesterfield Town Hall:

Chesterfield Town Council Election for Districts 2, 4, & 6 have been postponed. The date will be announced at a later time.

Cheraw Town Hall:

The Cheraw Town Council and Mayor Andrew R. Ingram decided to suspend, until further notice, all non-essential services and activities in the Town of Cheraw. This suspends immediately all Recreation Department activities such as sports, dance, karate, gymnastics, arts, etc.  This also impacts reserved events at the Cheraw Community Center and the Theatre on the Green.  These facilities will be closed to the public until further notice.

All parks will remain open for individual use only.  No organized activities in Cheraw’s parks are allowed.  Further, Opening Day Ceremony at Arrowhead Park and Cheraw Spring Festival are canceled. The Town will continue to be fully staffed, providing our Citizens the day to day services as usual.

Town Hall will remain open but the doors will be locked.  If you need to make a payment we encourage you to use mail, pay online, or use the dropbox.  Staff will be on site to handle the day to day activities such as new service requests, business licenses, and permits.  Please call Town Hall at 843-537-7283 if you have any questions.

Chambers of Commerce:

The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce is working on gathering information for a cohesive list of the county businesses & their policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. We ask that you share this information and encourage everyone to shop and eat local when possible. If your business has any information to add, please contact us via Facebook messenger, email your information to chesterfieldscchamber@gmail.com or contact Sarra at 843-910-7369. We will constantly edit this post as changes are needed or we receive new information.

Grocery Stores:

Piggly Wiggly (Chesterfield): Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Walmart Supercenter (Cheraw): Open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day; The Auto Care Center has been closed until further notice.

 

DARLINGTON COUNTY

County Offices:

Darlington County government and facilities will have modified operational procedures and processes. The intent of these changes include: meeting the needs of the citizens and visitors of Darlington County, protecting the health and safety of the citizens and visitors of Darlington County, protecting the health and safety of the employees of Darlington County, and protecting the ability of Darlington County to maintain continuity of government operations and services.

During this modified operational period, Darlington County has setup a public information line to address questions and concerns from citizens about these operation changes. The number is 843-398-4469. It will operate Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Media inquiries should be directed to Molly Odom at (843) 398-4450 ext. 1102.

A list of operational facilities, departments and services can be found at: http://www.darcosc.com/alert_detail.php

Hartsville City Hall:

City Hall will be closed to the public.

Water Bills may be paid: Over the Phone: 843-383-3015; By drop box located in the alcove at City Hall, 100 E. Carolina Avenue, checks or money order only; By Mail: P.O. Drawer 2497, Hartsville, SC 29551, checks or money order only; Online at: https://hartsvillesc.csibillpay.com/Account/Login.aspx; Automatic Bank Draft: https://www.hartsvillesc.gov/government/forms/utilities-bank-draft-payment-application/; SPC Credit Union, 204 N. Fifth Street, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Customers must have their bill and pay the full amount due with cash or personal check only. Drive thru option is available.

Any additional business with the Finance Department may be taken care of by calling 843.383.3015 or emailing finance@hartsvillesc.gov.

All other services and contact information for Hartsville City Hall can be found at https://www.hartsvillesc.gov/news/city-of-hartsville-announces-modified-operations/.

Society Hill Town Hall

The Town Hall will be closed to the public. For more information, call the public information line at is 843-398-4469.

Chambers of Commerce

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce is working to promote curbside pick-up and supporting local business across Darlington County at this time. The chamber is constantly updating its Facebook page.

The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is offering updates through its Facebook page and online at http://www.hartsvillechamber.org/news/.

Grocery Stores:

Walmart Supercenter (Hartsville): Open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day; Every Tuesday until April 28, Walmart will host an hour-long shopping event for seniors aged 60 and older from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.; The Auto Care Center has been closed until further notice.

Piggly Wiggly (Hartsville): Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

IGA (Hartsville): Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

IGA Food Center (Hartsville): Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

BI-LO (Hartsville): Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Family Dollar (Society Hill): Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

 

DILLON COUNTY

County Offices:

Until further notice, the Dillon City/County Building is closed to the public. The following offices can be reached by phone or email: Treasure (843-774-1416); Tax Assessor (843-774-1412); Auditor (843-774-1418), Probate Judge (843-774-1423); Veterans Affairs (843-774-1427); Economic Development (843-774-1402), Coroner (843-774-1444).

All payments and submissions can be done online or by phone. All telephone and processing fees are being waived at this time. If this is not possible, citizens can utilize the Drop Box at the Fifth Avenue entrance.

City of Dillon Hall

City Hall will be closed to the public.

Water Bills may be paid over the phone with credit/debit cards only 843-774-0040 ext 1022; By drop box located on the side of City Hall, 401 W. Main Street, checks or money orders only; By Mail: P.O. Drawer 431, Dillon, SC 29536, checks or money orders only; For new service or to discontinue service, contact 843-774-0040 ext 1022.

Local Hospitality payments and Local Accommodations Tax payments mail to PO Drawer 431, Dillon, SC; Any additional business with the Finance Department may be taken care of by calling 843-774-0040 ext 1018.

All other services and contact information for Hartsville City Hall can be found at https://www.cityofdillonsc.us/2020/03/23/city-of-dillon-announces-modified-operations/

Lake View Town Hall

The Lake View Town Hall and Lake View Police Department are closed to the public. Please contact Town Hall by calling 843-759-2861. Payment of fines and bond forfeitures can be made by mailing a cashier’s check or money order to the Lake View Municipal Court, PO Box 824, Lake View, SC 29563 or online at www.lakeviewpmts.com or by calling 1-877-794-1145.

 

Grocery Stores:

Food Lion (Dillon): Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Walmart Supercenter (Dillon): Open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day; The Auto Care Center has been closed until further notice.

KJ Market’s IGA (Dillon): Open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Marvin’s Grocer (Dillon):

IGA (Latta): Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Family Dollar (Latta): Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Dollar General (Latta): Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

 

LEE COUNTY

County Offices:

Lee county has made a number of adjustments to county operations to protect both citizens and employees from potential exposure to the virus and hopefully limit the spread in our community. A number of county departments and offices have suspended services and programs. Some county and state offices have either limited access or stopped entry completely to various government buildings.

The county encourages everyone to call the office or department with which you may have business prior to visiting in person and see what options for taking care of your needs are available instead of visiting in person. The county has established a hotline for questions from the public regarding county services or other information related to this emergency. Please call 803-484-5921 and information will be provided or your question will be taken and a response provided as soon as the answer is determined. The hotline will operate Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm.

Bishopville City Hall:

All City of Bishopville facilities, excluding the Bishopville Police Department, will be closed to public access. City services will continue and city offices will be accessible by telephone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, the City of Bishopville would like for all water/sewage/garbage customers to pay their bills by leaving the payments in the dropbox. Th City will continue trash pick-up as usual, other sanitation services will operate on a modified schedule. City Hall may be reached at 803-484-5948. For more information, please visit http://cityofbishopvillesc.com/covid-19.html

Chambers of Commerce:

The Lee County Chamber of Commerce continues to update its website at https://www.leecountychambersc.com/ and can be reached at 803-483-2800.

Grocery Stores:

Food Lion (Bishopville): Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Piggly Wiggly (Bishopville): Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Family Dollar (Bishopville): Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

 

MARLBORO COUNTY

County Offices:

Marlboro County Government offices, including the Courthouse offices, are currently open. Protective measures have been taken to distance people where possible and additional cleaning procedures have been put in place. The public is encouraged to use online services or call by telephone where possible. The issuing of marriage licenses will be suspended until April 1. This decision will be re-evaluated after that time. Staff will continue to receive documents for filing; however, opening estates with staff’s assistance will be limited.

Public Safety departments (Sheriff, EMS, Detention Center and Fire) have equipment and procedures to deal with the current situation. The leaders of these functions have met and will continue to meet regularly to adjust procedures as recommended or mandated by health officials.

Stay informed: Please monitor this page, Marlboro County Emergency Management Facebook page, HeraldAdvocate.com and FB page for further updates.

Citizens are encouraged to sign-up for CodeRed. This system allows 911 and Emergency Management to send messages to citizens should that be necessary in this situation or any situation like a hurricane.

https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFB7CC4C6C0A

Bennettsville City Hall:

• Closed to the public
• Utility payments can be made online at www.bennettsvillesc.com, over the phone using the automated system by dialing 843.479.9001 and selecting option 1, drop box at city hall located next to the drive thru window, and drive thru window at city hall
• The city will not suspend or disconnect essential services for non-payment during the State of Emergency, although all customers are strongly encouraged to pay to prevent overwhelming past due balances
• Business license renewals should be paid by mail, applications for new businesses are available online at www.bennettsvillesc.com, by telephone 843.479.9001 extension 317, or email michelle.hodges@bennettsvillesc.com
• Human Resource activities will be handled by phone at 843.479.9001 extension 323 or tammy.king@bennettsvillesc.com
• Planning and Zoning operations will be conducted as usual. Transactions will be handled by phone at 843.479.9001 extension 304 and the complete building permit application process may be conducted online at www.bennettsvillesc.com.

For more information, please visit http://bennettsvillesc.com/.

McColl Town Hall:

The Town Hall will be closed to the public. For more information, visit https://marlborocounty.sc.gov/contact.

Chambers of Commerce:

The Marlboro County Chamber of Commerce regularly updates its Facebook page and can be reached at (843) 535-8184.

Grocery Stores:

Carls IGA (Bennettsville): Open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Food Lion (Bennettsville): Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

Walmart Supercenter (Bennettsville): Open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day; The Auto Center is closed until further notice.

Wylie’s IGA (McColl): Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

For the safety and well-being of our patients and staff members, CareSouth Carolina is implementing several changes to its normal patient experience.

As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak continues to spread across the United States and the rest of the world, CareSouth Carolina is actively monitoring the situation and putting procedures in place to help combat the spread of the virus.

Here are a few things to know about your patient experience at CareSouth Carolina during this time:

What if I am coming for a sick visit?

If you’re sick, suffering with an injury or even have a condition that isn’t under control- like high blood pressure that is being closely monitored- CareSouth Carolina will continue to see you normally in the office.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a staff member at the front. Every person entering the office will be screened and have their temperature taken. After that, the staff will determine if you need a mask. If a patient has a fever, CareSouth Carolina will take them into a patient room- rather than waiting in the lobby- to expose the least amount of people as possible.

“At the front doors of our offices, we are having a screening team in place,” CareSouth Carolina CEO Ann Lewis said. “Going through this process could confusing to folks. We need to make our premises as safe as possible, not only for those who are seeking us for their needs, but also for our staff.”

Visitors are limited to the patient and one other “attendant,” who is there in some “assistance capacity” and CareSouth Carolina is asking that people not bring their children with them if at all possible.

“We’re not sure how long this will last, but we need to be active right now,” Lewis said.

What if I have a regular follow-up visit?

CareSouth Carolina is advising patients to call before they come to the office.  For patients who are not sick (those who have wellness or routine follow-up visits), we are offering to re-schedule or to have a telehealth/telecommunication visit with a provider as a way to protect them from being potentially exposed.

“In an alternative for patients who were coming in for wellness visits or routine follow-up, we have implemented telehealth visits,” Lewis said. “We have a whole team who is dedicated to checking in with patients, seeing if there is a need and a way to do a video conference or talk on the phone. We have a good system in place.”

Are the CSC Community Pharmacies still open?

All CSC Community Pharmacies will remain open and providers can call-in medicine for those patients who are in need of prescription refills.

“Rest assured, we’re doing everything that we can to accommodate that,” Lewis said.

CareSouth Carolina operates CSC Community Pharmacies in Hartsville, Bishopville, Latta, Bennettsville, Cheraw, Society and McColl. All of our pharmacies are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming in close contact with healthy people to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. It can include large-scale measures like canceling group events or closing public spaces, as well as individual decisions such as avoiding crowds.

What is the goal of social distancing?

With COVID-19, the goal of social distancing is to slow down the outbreak and reduce the chance of infection among those high-risk populations. In addition to reducing the amount of infections, social distancing can help to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and workers.

Ultimately, social distancing is a way to “flatten the curve,” which helps maintain the infrastructure of the healthcare system and preserve as many lives as possible.

How do I practice social distancing?

The CDC defines social distancing as it applies to COVID-19 as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately six feet or two meters) from others when possible.”

What else can I do to fight the spread of COVID-19?

In addition to social distancing, the CDC recommends several other precautions including:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Staying at home when you’re sick
• If you are sick and have to go out in public, wear a mask
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

March 27, 2020

We wanted to take a moment to update you on the measures CareSouth Carolina is taking to provide safety and to ensure the health and well-being of our patients, staff members and communities during this COVID-19 outbreak.

CareSouth Carolina has diagnosed more COVID-19 patients than any other community healthcare center in the state. We do not know if that should be considered a positive or negative at this point, but it does show the diligence of our staff members and the prevalence of this infection in our state.

All of our healthcare sites continue to remain open. We are not turning away any sick visits. For those who have wellness appointments, we have implemented visits through video conference (telehealth) and we have set up a special team designated just for these appointments. In addition to those visits conducted by our remote team, many doctors, providers and behavioral health counselors are also seeing patients through telehealth measures. We are currently working to utilize non-clinical employees to assist our clinical staff and have redirected our large and diverse school-based teams to better serve our patients during this time, as well.

Our  patients have been appreciative of the measures we have taken to protect them and are taking social distancing seriously, as are we.

The total volume of patients being seen is down dramatically, as we try to arrange only bringing patients in the office if necessary and we are also taking measures to improve staff morale as much as possible.

The safety and health of our patients, staff members and communities remains the highest priority! We will provide timely updates regarding procedures, best practices and strategies moving forward.

We are willing and ready to work with you, as our elected representatives, to stop this disease from spreading.

Working together, we can save countless South Carolinians and do our part to stop the havoc this disease is bringing to our communities.

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For the convenience and safety of all of its customers, CSC Community Pharmacies have initiated curbside pickup and drop-off to assist in fighting the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the Pee Dee area.

One does not have to be a patient of CareSouth Carolina to utilize the pharmacies and every CSC Community Pharmacy is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ashley Singleton, chief of pharmacy for CareSouth Carolina, said adding the curbside option allows patients to safely practice social distancing while receiving the medications they need during this time.

“CSC Community Pharmacies are actively working to serve patients, while adhering to the ever-changing guidelines around COVID-19,” Singleton said. “We understand the importance of medication adherence and want to make sure that patients are still able to receive their prescriptions while adhering to social distancing.  One way we are doing this is through curbside pharmacy pickup/drop-off.  The staff have embraced this change and are dedicated and committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure our patients are taken care of throughout this pandemic.”

For curbside pickup, all you have to do is simply call your local CSC Community Pharmacy and a staff member will bring your medication out to your vehicle.

The CSC Community Pharmacies in Hartsville, Latta, Bennettsville, Cheraw and Society Hill will be offering the curbside pickup while the Bishopville and McColl pharmacies will continue to operate with drive-thru only services.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, geriatrics, social services, clinical counseling, laboratory, 4D ultrasound, X-Ray, migrant services and veterans choice provider.

CareSouth Carolina is providing telehealth visits for its patients as a way to promote social distancing and help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Patients who would desire a regularly-scheduled follow-up appointment or wellness check-up can call the CareSouth Carolina Telehealth Triage Center at 843-309-8102, which is staffed by RNs and LPNs. The nurse will talk with the patient, decide if a telehealth (remote video chat) visit is appropriate and will schedule the patient a time to meet with their primary care provider, typically the same day.

If for whatever reason their primary care provider can’t meet with them, CareSouth Carolina has a pool of providers who are also offering telehealth services to meet with patients. At this point, more than half of the CareSouth Carolina providers are participating in telehealth visits.

If the patient is sick, they are still encouraged to call the Telehealth Triage Center and meet remotely. Should a provider deem it necessary for the patient to meet in-person, it will be arranged in the safest manner possible.

“Most of the patients are happy to do this,” said CareSouth Carolina Director of Mobile Health and Off-Site Services Jeri Andrews. “It’s convenient, there’s no sitting in the waiting room, they don’t have to get anyone to babysit their children and they don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes. It’s a simple process and great way to still practice social distancing while meeting their medical needs.”

What is the process?

“If the patient has a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access, they’ll be sent a downloadable secure video link once they speak with the nurse,” Andrews said. “For some patients that do not have internet access or capable technology, we can offer them a telephone appointment.”

For any other needs- such as questions about a test result or medication refills- patients should still contact the Call Center at 843-332-3422, as normal.

Behavioral health services are also available via telehealth. Call the CareSouth Carolina Triage Center at 843-309-8102 to set up an appointment.

Telehealth services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

CareSouth Carolina is offering behavioral health services remotely via TELETherapy as a way to continue to provide a complete patient experience during the COVID-19 outbreak.

TELETherapy services allow for convenient and consistent access to your CareSouth Carolina Behavioral Health Counselor in your home environment, catering to your individual or family needs no matter the location. A patient can access to counseling services by phone or video chat.

“This COVID-19 pandemic created a surge and a need for telemedicine, teletherapy and telecounseling to get in front of any mental and emotional distress, and to manage worries and anxieties before they become unmanageable,” said CareSouth Carolina Director of Behavioral Health Elizabeth Kershner, MSW, LISW-CP AP.

TELETherapy is available to existing and new patients of CareSouth Carolina. A new patient will have a brief telemedicine check-up with a provider who will then give a referral to a behavioral health counselor.

“As we have shelter in place and stay-at-home guidance from our leaders, it’s important to have this kind of option for folks to continue or to engage in counseling even if they haven’t been in counseling before,” Kershner said. “Patients are advised to stay home and, just like they’re consulting with doctors and nurses remotely, they can meet with their counselor.”

To set up an appointment, the patient can contact the CareSouth Carolina Telehealth Triage Center at 843-309-8102.

CareSouth Carolina Behavioral Health Counselors provide individual, couples and family therapy for a wide range of emotional and mental/behavioral health concerns. Counseling services at CareSouth Carolina are evidence-based and include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Problem-Solving Therapy (PST); Interpersonal Pyschotherapy (IPT); and Behavioral Modification.

https://youtu.be/SnV9VH2f2rw

Here’s a helpful article from the CDC on the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

https://youtu.be/zOeM9kKAzMA

For the convenience and safety of all of its customers, CSC Community Pharmacies have initiated curbside pickup and drop-off to assist in fighting the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the Pee Dee area.

How does curbside pickup work?

All you have to do is simply call your local pharmacy and a staff member will bring your medication out to your vehicle. They can also pick up your prescription if you are dropping it off. You can find the number for your local pharmacies here (https://www.caresouth-carolina.com/locations/).

Do I have to be a CareSouth Carolina patient to use the pharmacy?

No! The CSC Community Pharmacies are open to everyone, regardless of if you are a patient of CareSouth Carolina or not.

Where are the CSC Community Pharmacies located?

The CSC Community Pharmacies in Hartsville, Latta, Bennettsville, Cheraw and Society Hill will be offering the curbside pickup while the Bishopville and McColl pharmacies will continue to operate with drive-thru only services.

When are the CSC Community Pharmacies open?

CSC Community Pharmacies are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What if I have a question about my prescription?

The best way to reach the CSC Community Pharmacies is to call your local pharmacy or to contact the CareSouth Carolina Call Center at 1-866-498-0399.

CareSouth Carolina is providing telehealth visits for its patients as a way to promote social distancing and help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some frequently-asked questions about telehealth visits during the COVID-19 breakout.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is the distribution of health-related services and information through electronic devices. It allows long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions.

What services are available through telehealth?

CareSouth Carolina is offering complete individual and family medical services. Behavioral health services are also available via telehealth. Telehealth allows you to still meet with your provider via a video chat without coming into the office and potentially being exposed.

What if I am showing symptoms of COVID-19?

If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, your provider can still meet with you remotely and determine if you should come into the office for testing. Should you come into the office for testing, CareSouth Carolina has taken precautions to ensure the safest visit possible.

How is CareSouth Carolina keeping its facilities safe?

Every morning when our employees arrive for work, they are having their temperature taken. Should they have a fever, they are being seen by a provider and being sent home.

Likewise, any patient who enters a CareSouth Carolina facility will be met at-the-door by a nurse who will take their temperature and determine if a mask is necessary. If the patient has a fever or is showing symptoms, they are being taken back into a patient room to keep from potentially exposing others.

How do I schedule a telehealth/teletherapy appointment?

If you would like to schedule an appointment remotely, you should contact the CareSouth Carolina Triage Center at 843-309-8102. Typically, appointments are ‘same day’ and you’ll be able to meet with your primary care provider.

If for whatever reason your primary care provider cannot meet with you remotely, we have a pool of providers who are providing telehealth who can meet with you.

Telehealth services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What is the process for setting up a video appointment?

Once you call the CareSouth Carolina Triage Center, a nurse will provide basic screening to determine if a remote appointment will be appropriate. Should a telehealth visit be appropriate, you will be sent a secure video link that can be downloaded and used on any laptop, computer, tablet or smart device.

If you do not have access to internet, CareSouth Carolina can also schedule an ‘over-the-phone’ appointment for you with your provider.

If you have questions or are unsure about the process, CareSouth Carolina’s Telehealth Triage Center nurses have been trained and can walk you through the process from start-to-finish.

What if I have another need?

Should you have another need- such as refilling prescriptions or questions about a test result- you should call the CareSouth Carolina Call Center at 1-866-498-0399.

CareSouth Carolina Behavioral Health counselors provide Individual, Couples, and Family therapy for a wide range of emotional, mental / behavioral health concerns.

Counseling services at CareSouth Carolina are evidenced-based and include:
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
• Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
• Behavior Modification.

To set up an appointment, please call 843-309-8102

CareSouth Carolina is partnering with the Councils on Aging in Chesterfield, Marlboro, Darlington and Dillon Counties to distribute meals to seniors age 60 and older who have health disparities and are experiencing food insecurities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in receiving non-perishable meals, please call your local Council on Aging for additional information:

• Chesterfield County COA 843-623-2280
• Marlboro County COA 843-479-9951
• Dillon County COA 843-774-0089
• Darlington County COA 843-393-8521

CareSouth Carolina stepped in to lend a helping hand to the Councils on Aging as a way to help seniors in the area receive necessary resources during a time where many residents are facing uncertainty.

“This is an excellent partnership and wonderful way to help seniors who are in need during this time,” said Sheila Welch, Director of Vantage Point. “Please make sure to call your local Council on Aging to see if you qualify.”

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, geriatrics, social services, clinical counseling, laboratory, 4D ultrasound, X-Ray, migrant services and veterans choice provider.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our healthcare workers are on the frontlines putting themselves in the path of this virus day-in and day-out. Our entire staff is rising to the occasion and caring for our most vulnerable populations, even in the most uncertain of times.

Thank you for the sacrifices you make every day, your dedication, and your commitment to our patients and to our communities. Your courage, devotion, and service deserve our deepest gratitude. You are truly making a difference here in our communities.

We want to thank everyone in our organization and those working in healthcare across the nation as we continue to fight the spread of this virus together.

To express your appreciation and gratitude for these everyday heroes, use the hashtag #CareSouthCarolinaStrong to leave words of encouragement, thanks, and inspiration.

https://youtu.be/quwzg7Vixsw

CareSouth Carolina and the CareFIRST Carolina Foundation partnered with Harvest Hope Food Bank, Duke Energy and many other local organizations to help disperse 250 boxes of shelf stable foods to local partners in the Chesterfield County community.

Duke Energy made the donation of 250 boxes as a way to supply food for the elderly, disabled or families in crisis that do not have SNAP funds.

Nicol Echols, Pee Dee Branch Executive Director for the Harvest Hope Food Bank, contacted the CareFIRST Carolina Foundation and CareSouth Carolina to assist in getting the food out to as many different places in Chesterfield County as possible.

“CareFIRST Foundation’s help and community contacts are invaluable in getting these foods to these areas,” Echols said.

CareSouth Carolina was able to us its dental trucks, which are currently free, to pick up and deliver the food to several different partnering organizations.

“This was a true partnership in accomplishing a mission of care, from Duke Energy and Harvest Hope Food Bank to CareFIRST Carolina Foundation / CareSouth Carolina and thanks to all the partners, there is a little less food insecurity in Chesterfield County this week,” said Mark Sobiski, Director of the CareFIRST Carolina Foundation.

All 250 boxes of shelf stable foods were delivered to many area partners to assist including:  McArn Food Pantry in Cheraw, Macedonia Baptist Church in Cash community, Robert Smalls Community Center in Cheraw (they dispersed food boxes to various Cheraw, Chesterfield and Pageland locations) the Chesterfield Baptist church food pantry in Chesterfield as well as CareSouth Carolina Inc. locations in Cheraw and Chesterfield to be used for COVID-19 quarantined individuals or patients in food crisis.

In addition to these organizations, Harvest Hope Food Bank and the CareFIRST Carolina Foundation would like to express thanks to Representative Patricia Moore Henegan, Sharon Hendrix (McArn Food pantry), Councilwoman Hattie Burns (Macedonia Baptist Church), John Melton (Robert Smalls Community Center in Cheraw) John Douglas (the Chesterfield Baptist Church food pantry) and Jeff Ellis, as well as the staff and leadership of CareSouth Carolina Inc.

The CareFIRST Carolina Foundation, is an independent supporting foundation dedicated to financially supporting the mission of CareSouth Carolina. Together, the two organizations provide and improve access to health and support services to those who need them most. It is the first regional foundation to focus on improving the access and the quality of primary health care in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

CareSouth Carolina has seen more than 3,000 patients via telehealth visits in the past month as a way to promote social distancing and help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Telehealth is the distribution of health-related services and information through electronic devices. It allows long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth visits can help a patient limit their exposure to the virus while still getting their healthcare needs met. CareSouth Carolina is offering complete individual and family medical services. Behavioral health services are also available via telehealth.

“We’re able to still take care of the needs of our patients while limiting their exposure,” said Jeri Andrew, Director of Mobile Health and Off-Site Services. “We’re doing this as a service for our patients as a way for them to follow proper social distancing and still get their healthcare needs met.”

CareSouth Carolina is scheduling new and existing patients and a visit is as easy as ‘1-2-3.’

1. Call the Telehealth Triage Center

Call the CareSouth Carolina Telehealth Triage Center at 843-309-8102, which is staffed by RNs and LPNs. The nurse will set up an appointment and time- typically the same day- for you to meet with your primary care provider.

If for whatever reason your primary care provider can’t meet, CareSouth Carolina has a pool of providers who are also offering telehealth services and can meet with patients.

The nurses will give you any individual instructions and can answer questions you may have.

2. You’ll receive a message or email with a secured link

If you have a smart phone, you’ll receive a text message with a secured link when it’s time for your appointment.

At that point, all you’ll have to do is click the link and follow the prompts to enter the secured chat room.

If you don’t have a phone with internet access, the link can also be sent via email to be used on a laptop or tablet.

3. Meet with your provider remotely as you normally would.

Once you enter the secured chat room, you’ll be able to meet with your provider as part of a video visit.

Your provider can answer any questions you may have, diagnose and determine next steps all from the convenience of your own home.

https://www.pagelandprogressive.com/content/frontlines-covid-19

CareSouth Carolina, SC-DHEC partner to provide free COVID-19 testing

SOCIETY HILL, S.C. – CareSouth Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) partnered to provide free COVID-19 testing to hundreds of people on Tuesday at the St. David’s Academy building in Society Hill.

CareSouth Carolina, which serves more than 39,000 patients in five counties in the Pee Dee region, is working to provide access to testing and education for patients across its communities.

“Our goal is to provide and help support widespread testing,” Ann Lewis, CEO of CareSouth Carolina, said. “There are many unknown aspects of this novel coronavirus but we do know that by identifying those individuals who test positive but may have no symptoms, we can prevent their unknowing spread of the virus.”

The free drive-thru testing was available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to anyone who wanted to be tested, regardless of symptoms.

In addition, CareSouth Carolina has provided free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at several of its locations across the Pee Dee. Currently, the organization has tested more than 150 patients through its drive-thru testing.

CareSouth Carolina also implemented Telehealth, Telecommunication and TeleTherapy visits to help fight the spread of the virus. The organization is providing drive-up chronic care for those who have conditions- like high blood pressure- that can’t necessarily be measured through a Telehealth visit; drive-thru and curbside pharmacy; emergency meal distribution for the aged population through community partnerships; and is providing follow-up for those patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 through its Family Support Services staff.

Currently, CareSouth Carolina has tested 584 patients for COVID-19 with 75 testing positive. Of those 75 positive cases, two deaths have been confirmed.

CareSouth Carolina has seen more than 2,368 patients via Medical Telehealth and Telecommunication visits, has had more than 1,608 Behavioral Health TeleTherapy and Telecommunication visits and has also had 16 dental appointments through Tele-Dentistry and Telecommunication visits.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, geriatrics, social services, clinical counseling, laboratory, 4D ultrasound, X-Ray, migrant services and veterans choice provider.

https://youtu.be/_O1jWT0qHGU

https://youtu.be/y1dgKm3EyDU

https://www.dhec.sc.gov/news-releases/dr-bell-data-shows-wearing-face-masks-works-latest-covid-19-update-august-12-2020

https://www.forbes.com/sites/coronavirusfrontlines/2020/08/12/community-health-centers-are-invaluable-in-the-fight-against-the-coronavirus-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR0xVsXHesHhovDaHo1iKZxza-p3xM670jUuHxj89cZUzvNiDljkBOYl6Vg#5a8ca78b1f06

https://youtu.be/Nk9X2HYvYuI

Click Link Below:

COVID-19 Weekly Digest 12-15-20

Click Link Below:

COVID-19 Weekly Digest 12-22-20

CareSouth Carolina keeps up-to-date records of the latest data and trends for our area. As of yesterday’s data, active cases are at the highest level to date in our service area.

Please check out the Weekly COVID-19 Digest below:

Weekly COVID-19 Digest 2-2-2021

Weekly COVID-19 Digest for March 9

 

 

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (May 11)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (May 25)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (June 1)

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has named CareSouth Carolina as the latest recipient of the agency’s Community Hero award for going above and beyond to bring lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines to rural communities.

CareSouth Carolina, a health center with several locations throughout the Pee Dee region, has been a key partner with DHEC for holding COVID-19 testing locations since the onset of the pandemic. CareSouth Carolina was recently nominated as a Community Hero for its continued support of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, especially for its Moby Outreach Program. Medical staff use five “Moby” vans to drive to rural and underserved areas of the region to administer the single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine as part of ongoing efforts to ensure all residents have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. 

“CareSouth is a valued partner and has been a major player in our unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Bruckner, DHEC’s Pee Dee Region Public Health Director. “It’s a team effort to vaccinate as many South Carolinians as possible, and we’re fortunate to continue to have the trusted support of CareSouth as we work to beat COVID-19 once and for all.” 

“It is a real honor to receive this accolade,” said Ann Lewis, CEO of CareSouth Carolina. “We believe that collaboration with good people like these folks from DHEC, who work to meet the needs of our communities, is what will make a difference in this battle against COVID-19. We are all in this together! Our thanks to DHEC for being such an amazing partner.”

Learn more about CareSouth Carolina at www.caresouth-carolina.com. For the latest COVID-19 information in South Carolina, visit scdhec.gov/COVID19.

Nominating a Community Hero
To nominate a Community Hero for their efforts to be a local leader and support public health actions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, submit a nomination form and a brief description of the nominee’s community involvement.

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (June 15)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (June 22, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (June 29, 2021)

COVID-19 Weekly Digest (July 7, 2021)

COVID-19 Weekly Digest (July 13, 2021)

COVID-19 Weekly Digest (July 20, 2021)

COVID-19 Weekly Digest (July 27, 2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (August 3, 2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (August 10, 2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (August 24, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Aug. 31)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Sept. 8, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Sept. 14, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Sept. 21, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Sept. 28, 2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Oct. 5, 2021)

CSC WEEKLY COVID-19 DIGEST (OCT. 12, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Oct. 26, 2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Nov. 2, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Nov. 9, 2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Nov. 16, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Nov. 23, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Nov. 30, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Dec. 7, 2021)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Dec. 14, 2021)

CareSouth Carolina offers Monocolonal Antibody IV Therapy Infusion at its Hartsville office.

You are eligible for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment if you:

• Are at high risk of getting more serious symptoms.
• Have a positive COVID-19 test with symptoms for 10 days or less.
• Have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive even if you have not tested positive or have symptoms.

For more information, please call 843-758-0044.

 

Covid Weekly Digest (December 21, 2021)

COVID-19 Response By The Numbers (12/28/2021)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (January 5, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (January 11, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (January 19, 2022)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Feb. 1)

COVID-19 Digest (February 8, 2022)

COVID-19 Digest (February 15, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (Feb. 23, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (March 1, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (March 16, 2022)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (March 23, 2022)

COVID 19 Digest ( March 30,2022

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (April 6, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (April 13, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (April 20,2022)

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (May 5,2022)

 

Response in Numbers (May 9, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (May 11, 2022)

Response in Numbers (May 16, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (May 18, 2022)

Response in Numbers (May 20, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID 19 Digest (May 27, 2022)

Response in Numbers (June 1, 2022)

Response in Numbers (June 6, 2022)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (June 15)

Weekly COVID-19 Digest (June 22)

Weekly COVID 19- Digest July 7,2022

Weekly COVID 19- Digest July 7,2022

Weekly COVID 19- Digest July 20, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Digest July 27, 2022

COVID Response in Numbers July 22, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Digest August 4, 2022

COVID Weekly Digest Aug. 10, 2022

Weekly COVID 19- Digest August 17, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Digest August 24, 2022

Weekly COVID 19- Digest August 31, 2022

   CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (September 7, 2022)

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (September 14, 2022)

COVID-19 Weekly Digest September 21, 2022

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest September 28, 2022

CSC WEEKLY COVID-19 DIGEST October 5, 2022

Weekly Covid-19 Digest October 12, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Digest October 19, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Digest October 26, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Digest November 2, 2022

COVID-19 Weekly Digest November 9, 2022

 

Weekly COVID-19 Digest November 16, 2022

COVID-19 Weekly Digest November 23,2022

COVID-19 Weekly Digest November 30, 2022

COVID-19 Weekly Digest December 7, 2022

Weekly Covid-19 Digest December 14, 2022

Weekly Covid-19 Digest December 21, 2022

COVID-19 Weekly Digest December 28, 2022

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest January 6, 2023

CSC Weekly COVID-19 Digest (January 13, 2023)

 Weekly Covid-19 Digest January 20, 2023

Weekly COVID Digest (January 27, 2023)

Weekly COVID Digest (February 3, 2023)

Weekly COIVD Digest (February 10, 2023)

CSC Weekly COVD Digest (February 21, 2023)

COVID Weekly Digest (February 28, 2023)

COVID Weekly Digest March 10, 2023

• >Wednesday, April 12
• Wednesday, April 26
• Wednesday, May 10