CareSouth Carolina’s Pat Graham named recipient for the SCPHCA’s ‘Award of Excellence'

Pat Graham, the site administrator at CareSouth Carolina’s McColl Health & Wellness Center, has been awarded the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association's Award of Excellence. The award was presented to Graham at the SEA Retreat in Charleston, SC.

Graham, who has worked at CareSouth Carolina for 20 years, expressed her surprise and humility at being given the award. 

"I was completely shocked,” she said. “I was cooking lunch that Sunday and my staff called me. It was totally unexpected. What an honor to be given an award like that for excellence for the whole state. I’m very humbled by that. It was totally unexpected.”

Graham's career at CareSouth Carolina began as a PRN-Floater in the Society Hill office. She worked in several positions, including Medical Records, Care Manager, and then became a Patient Advocate at CareSouth Carolina’s McColl office. She stepped into the role of site administrator at McColl seven years ago, and Graham said she relishes the opportunity to help patients every day and create a positive work environment for her staff.

Her colleagues praised her leadership and dedication to her work. 

"This award comes as no surprise. I have worked with Pat at CSC for the past 20 years, and she has always exhibited excellence in her work. It has been a privilege to watch her become the leader she is," said Chaneka Pigatt, Deputy Operations Office. “Pat is the embodiment of excellence in her service to our McColl office staff, our McColl patients, our McColl community in which she works and lives, her coworkers, and family.  I am so very proud to have Pat as part of my Site Administrator Team.”

"If there ever is an award for 'Excellence,' Pat Graham deserves it as a genuine person caring for patients and staff alike above and beyond on a daily basis," added Peggy Foster, Chief Operations Officer. "She is a prime example of one coming to work at an FQHC, growing and learning along the way with new opportunities – then being trusted in a leadership position to inspire others to 'catch the vision' and 'serve in the mission.'"

Outside of work, Graham enjoys spending time with her family and going to church. Her dedication to her work and her community has earned her the recognition of her peers and the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association.

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.