CareSouth Carolina honored With Health Innovation Award by the Foundation For Community Impact

COLUMBIA, S.C. — CareSouth Carolina was honored as the recipient of the Healthcare Innovation Award at the Foundation For Community Impact and Health Equity Inaugural Impact Awards Gala, which took place on February 3, 2024, at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

CareSouth Carolina CEO Ann Lewis — who has spearheaded the organization since its formation in 1980— received the award, which recognized CareSouth Carolina for its impact in the community by providing access to healthcare and its collaboration with community agencies. 

In the current year, CareSouth Carolina made significant contributions to community well-being, including hosting a Community Health Fair at the Dillon Wellness Center, distributing gun locks, and promoting information sharing among local residents. Furthermore, they've taken proactive measures to combat food insecurity by establishing a Food Pantry in Bishopville, addressing the critical needs of a designated food desert area. 

CareSouth Carolina has also formed strategic partnerships with organizations like the Foundation For Community Impact and Health, the Lee County Library, and Marian Wright Edelman in Marlboro County to create Community Health Hubs at local libraries. These hubs offer the valuable services of Community Health Workers, who assist individuals and families in overcoming social barriers to health, including food insecurity, housing, Medicaid, and SNAP enrollment, while also providing access to healthcare and information about other programs that can enhance their social and health outcomes. 

“CareSouth Carolina was very honored to be recognized for all the collaboration we do to provide health care and better access to health care for the people in our communities,” CareSouth Carolina Chief of Community Health Joe Bittle said. “We look forward to continuing to be able to serve our community as we look toward the future.”

The Impact Awards Gala honored and celebrated 10 remarkable individuals and organizations across a variety of categories, recognizing their exceptional efforts and positive impact on society. From philanthropy and environmental stewardship to education and healthcare, these honorees have dedicated their time, resources, and expertise to uplift and transform the lives of others.

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 medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, infectious disease primary care, IV therapy, substance abuse prevention, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, senior support services, family support services, clinical counseling, laboratory, ultrasound, X-Ray, agricultural worker health services, and veterans choice provider.