SCHA News

February 2026

SCHA CEO Thornton Kirby Named to Statewide 50 Most Influential List
February 10, 2026
Under his leadership, SCHA has continued to advance initiatives that support hospital teams, improve patient outcomes, and promote healthier communities statewide.

SCHA Workforce Roundtable on Feb. 25
February 6, 2026
Set for Wednesday, February 25, this gathering of hospital leaders and academic partners offers a full day of focused conversation, practical insight, and shared experience, with an emphasis on real-world practices that can make a meaningful difference for your organization.

January 2026

Governor McMaster Delivers His Final State of the State Address
January 29, 2026
We thank the Governor for his advocacy for our clinicians and his vision of a healthier, more prosperous South Carolina. 

Governor McMaster Outlines Health System Priorities in FY 2026–2027 Spending Plan
January 15, 2026
For hospital leaders, the proposal reflects both continuity with past commitments and a notable expansion of investments that support access, workforce stability, and system modernization. 

SCHA Receives New Grant to Support Workforce Experience Efforts
January 8, 2026
SCHA was recently awarded a new 1-year grant from the Duke Endowment to expand and build upon our efforts to help hospitals transform the healthcare work experience by addressing the root causes of burnout, disengagement, and turnover.  

December 2025

SCHA Announces Prisma Health Executive Hunter Kome as 2025 Zero Harm Leadership Award Winner
December 11, 2025
Kome serves as the CEO of Prisma Health’s Oconee Memorial and Baptist Easley Hospitals.

First Year Insights on Lexington Medical Center's EmPATH Unit
December 10, 2025
EmPATH, which stands for "Emergency Psychiatry Assessment, Treatment, and Healing," is an innovative model of crisis stabilization care that offers a calm, therapeutic environment for patients who arrive at busy emergency departments in need of behavioral health services.

Dialysis Care Expansion in Darlington Has Emergency Preparedness Implications
December 9, 2025
Beyond meeting day-to-day needs, the new outpatient dialysis center will serve as a vital resource during coastal evacuations and other disaster responses, thanks to Hartsville’s inland location.

SCHA’s Workplace Violence Collaborative Releases 2024 Annual Report
December 3, 2025
The Collaborative works to gather workplace violence data and develop strategies for prevention and intervention against physical and verbal assaults of hospital workers.

October 2025

South Carolina Hospital Association Launches “Heartbeat of SC” Public Awareness Campaign
October 20, 2025
Our hospital awareness campaign shines a light on the essential human and economic role hospitals play in South Carolina.

The Department of Public Health Releases 2025-2030 South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan
October 13, 2025
Developed through the Live Healthy South Carolina collaborative, the SHIP reflects the collective efforts of state agencies, public health entities, healthcare providers, community-based organizations and other cross-sector stakeholders working to improve health outcomes across the state.

Empowering the Future: Spartanburg Regional Wins Award for Workforce Development
October 8, 2025
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System's innovative efforts to train the next generation of healthcare workers drew top talent honors during OneSpartanburg Inc.’s recent annual celebration.

A Commitment to Safety: McLeod Health Leads with 911 Cellular and HealthGuard App
October 1, 2025
McLeod Health has implemented 911 Cellular, an advanced safety platform designed to provide staff with immediate access to emergency responders at the touch of a button. This system ensures that employees, whether working in patient care areas, administrative offices, or community settings, can connect instantly with help in the event of a safety threat. 

September 2025

Delivering Excellence in Georgetown County: Tidelands Health’s Approach to Maternal Health
September 24, 2025
The health system has made improving maternal health a priority for quite some time, and they have worked with their team members and community partners to enact evidence-based best practices.

Advocacy Alert: Healthcare Coverage at Risk Without Action Before Sept. 30
September 16, 2025
Without urgent Congressional action by the end of September, premium payments will be set to dramatically increase for the vast majority of Marketplace enrollees starting in 2026.

Honoring National Suicide Prevention Week Through Our Zero Harm Commitment
September 11, 2025
By embracing suicide prevention, South Carolina hospitals are broadening the definition of quality care and reaffirming their commitment to healing and hope. 

August 2025

Webinar Recording: Measles Preparedness in Healthcare Settings
August 19, 2025
In 2025, over 1,300 cases have been reported nationwide, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children under 19.

July 2025

Solvent Networks Announces Appointment of Four New Board Members 
July 25, 2025
These distinguished healthcare leaders bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to advancing innovation, improving performance, and enhancing outcomes for hospitals and health systems across South Carolina. 

June 2025

Press Release: SC Hospitals Express Appreciation for Sen. Tim Scott’s Leadership
June 24, 2025
Senator Scott’s staff has been in constant communication with SC hospital leaders since the bill was first introduced, and Senator Scott himself left the floor of the Senate to speak with hospital executives during a recent visit to Washington.

SCHA Offers Deep Dive on Medicare and CMS Methodologies for Key Quality Programs
June 16, 2025
This collaboration is designed to provide South Carolina hospitals with a deeper understanding of federal value-based care initiatives and their local impacts.