Dave Hamill Receives Award of Excellence from the South Carolina Office of Rural Health
The South Carolina Office of Rural Health Recognizes Six Annual Award Recipients
Dave Hamill, CEO
Dave Hamill, CEO
The South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) honored six rural healthcare providers and community members at its 27th Annual Rural Health Conference in Greenville, SC.
"Every year, SCORH recognizes individuals in our rural communities who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving community health, whether through direct healthcare services or initiatives that strengthen and enhance resilience. We proudly recognized these individuals at our 27th Annual Rural Health Conference last week in Greenville, SC," stated Graham Adams, CEO of SCORH.
Each of the following honorees received a laser-cut shadowbox of the Palmetto State, crafted by Sumter artisan Jenine Mitchell of The Thirsty Crafter:
The Rural Practitioner of the Year Award is presented to a rural primary health care practitioner whose service and community commitment has resulted in significant improvement of primary health care services. This year, the rural practitioner of the year is Jennifer McLester Lynch, FNP-C, a Family Nurse practitioner at CareSouth Carolina’s Hartsville Office. Jennifer and her team provide key medical services to residents from across the Pee Dee region of SC.
The Outstanding Community Health Project or Initiative Award recognizes an outstanding educational program or direct service that has positively impacted a community’s health services. This year, the award was given to Barnwell County HEALing Partners, for their significant impact within the Barwell Community. With a vision of optimal health and well-being for all residents, they provide accessible wellness resources and empower individuals with tools for physical, nutritional, and mental wellness, fostering a legacy of health and unity throughout Barnwell County.
Dr. Morris Brown, SCORH Board Chairman, presents Karen Terry, Coastal Plains Practice Manager, with the Award of Excellence for the SC Office of Rural Health. Karen received the award for HRMC CEO Dave Hamill.
The Power of Rural Award is presented to a community-based project, program or initiative that has embodied the spirit of the “Power of Rural” by demonstrating positive attributes of rural South Carolina, including those that are outside of the health care services sector. This year’s award goes to Digital Economy Ecosystem a project founded by The South Carolina Rural Innovation Network (SCRIN). A Digital Economy Ecosystem (DEE) is an interconnected system focused on building a tech-driven local economy by developing digital skills, jobs, talent, and innovation. SCRIN and founder Kim Bowman have been pivotal in expanding this initiative across rural communities.
The Rural Health Provider of the Year Award is presented to a provider of rural health services where the health status of a rural community was significantly enhanced. This year’s award goes to Prisma Health Pediatrics – Powdersville. The practice provides comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents, from birth through college years, with convenient access to the area's only academic health center. It also offers the region’s sole HealthySteps program, supporting children ages 0-3 and their families, particularly in underserved communities.
The Award of Excellence is not an award that is presented every year. It is reserved for those individuals whose efforts have made a truly outstanding and notable contribution to health, health care, or a health care delivery system in rural South Carolina. The 2024 Award of Excellence was given to Dave Hamill, President & CEO of Hampton Regional Medical Center (HRMC). Located in rural Varnville, S.C., HRMC is a progressive community hospital that has provided high-quality care to the region since 1950. Under Dave's leadership, the hospital has thrived, significantly impacting both the center’s success and the broader Hampton community.
The Pioneer Award is given each year to a provider or provider(s) who, during a lengthy career, have contributed significantly to the delivery of primary health care in a rural environment. This year’s award goes to Dr. Ralph Riley, a Family Healthcare Practitioner from North Saluda, SC. With over 30 years of service at the same practice, Dr. Riley has become a cornerstone of healthcare in his community, providing dedicated care and improving access to health services in rural South Carolina.
The South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) is a non-profit organization with a mission to close the gap in health status and life expectancy between rural and urban communities in the Palmetto State. SCORH has been promoting investment, opportunity and health within rural communities since 1991.
