September 26, 2025

Prisma Health Secures $1 Million Grant to Improve Rural Healthcare

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