Clinton SC, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Prisma Health has obtained a $1 million grant to enhance primary care access in Laurens County, South Carolina. This initiative includes significant renovations to its Advanced Family Medicine practice in Clinton, expanding the facility to 4,750 square feet with 12 exam rooms. The project aims to address healthcare disparities in rural areas, where over 30% of the state’s population resides. The grant is part of a larger strategy involving $4 million in total funding to bolster healthcare accessibility in the region.
Clinton, South Carolina – Prisma Health has secured a $1 million grant from the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) to enhance primary care access in Laurens County. This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare access in rural areas, which is particularly critical as over 30% of South Carolina’s population resides in such locations.
As part of the expansion, Prisma’s Advanced Family Medicine practice located in Clinton will undergo significant renovations. These improvements include new exam rooms, with the practice area now spanning 4,750 square feet and featuring a total of 12 exam rooms. To further improve access to high-quality primary care services, Prisma Health plans to hire an additional physician.
The commencement of this critical project was marked by a celebration involving tours of the newly renovated facility, attended by elected officials and community members who gathered to witness the enhancements firsthand. This initiative is part of a larger strategy, including a total of $4 million in grants awarded to Prisma Health aimed at bolstering rural healthcare accessibility throughout various Upstate areas.
Justin M. Benfield, CEO of Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, expressed gratitude toward the S.C. General Assembly and SCDHHS for their support in making this project possible. Benfield emphasized the importance of high-quality primary care that focuses on disease prevention and early diagnosis as essential in improving community health.
Enhancing rural healthcare access is also a key priority for state leaders. South Carolina Senator Danny Verdin has highlighted this focus, acknowledging the need for increased services in areas that may be underserved. Clinton Mayor Randy Randall shared his excitement regarding the expansion, noting its potential positive impact on the health and well-being of the community.
The grant from SCDHHS signifies a crucial investment in healthcare for rural residents, aiming to address longstanding disparities in access to medical services. With the renovation and expansion of the Advanced Family Medicine practice, Prisma Health is committed to providing necessary healthcare resources to the residents of Laurens County, ensuring that quality care is readily available.
Overview of the Expansion Project
- Grant Amount: $1 million from S.C. Department of Health and Human Services
- Location: Advanced Family Medicine practice in Clinton, Laurens County
- Facility Size: 4,750 square feet
- Number of Exam Rooms: 12 exam rooms
- Additional Staffing: Hiring an additional physician
- Part of Larger Grant: Under $4 million awarded for enhancing rural healthcare access in Upstate areas
Background on Rural Healthcare Access in South Carolina
Access to healthcare services in rural areas remains a significant challenge in South Carolina, where a considerable portion of the population lives outside urban centers. The S.C. Office of Rural Health reports that more than 30% of the state’s residents are in rural regions. Efforts such as the ones being implemented by Prisma Health are vital for addressing these disparities, enhancing the overall health outcomes in such communities.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the $1 million grant awarded to Prisma Health?
The grant will be used to enhance primary care access in Laurens County, focusing on strengthening healthcare access in rural areas.
What changes are being made to the Advanced Family Medicine practice in Clinton?
The practice will undergo renovations that will include new exam rooms, expanding to a total of 12 exam rooms within a 4,750 square foot space.
Will there be additional medical staff hired as part of this project?
Yes, Prisma Health plans to hire an additional physician to improve access to high-quality primary care services.
How does this project relate to broader healthcare initiatives in the state?
This expansion is part of a larger $4 million grant awarded to Prisma Health designed to improve rural healthcare accessibility throughout various Upstate areas.
What percentage of South Carolina’s population lives in rural areas?
Over 30% of South Carolina’s population resides in rural areas, according to the South Carolina Office of Rural Health.
Chart: Key Features of Prisma Health Expansion Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $1 million |
| Location | Advanced Family Medicine practice in Clinton, Laurens County |
| Facility Size | 4,750 square feet |
| Number of Exam Rooms | 12 exam rooms |
| Additional Staffing | Hiring an additional physician |
| Part of Larger Grant | Under $4 million awarded for enhancing rural healthcare access in Upstate areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Local12: TriHealth Daily Health Wire
- Wnewsj: TriHealth to Acquire Clinton Memorial Hospital
- Dayton Daily News: Kettering Health Expansion
- Business Wire: Telehealth Pilots in Africa
- CNN: Hillary Clinton and Health Care
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in South Carolina
- Google Search: Rural Healthcare Access
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
