b'& FITNESSHEALTHBeyond the hospital walls: Creating healthy communitiesfor better livesBy Kimberly SouthFormanyparents,havinganactivebankaccount,In2021,eveninthecontextoftheCOVID-19 areliablecarandstableemploymentisvitaltopandemic,PrismaHealthremainssteadfastin running a home. Getting kids to and from school andenhancingthephysical,emotionalandspiritual activities, putting food on the table and paying billshealthofallindividualsandcommunitiesweserve. are the basic foundations for a good home life. But, asFor25years,PrismaHealth(formerlyPalmetto we all know, thats not always easy. We face challengesHealth) has been a catalyst in the efforts to improve and unexpected circumstances. Jobs we thought wedthehealthandwell-beingofcommunitiesacross always have come to a sudden end. Cars we expect tothestate.Thehospitalsystemhasfundedmore get us to where we need to go arent reliable.than$64millioninpublichealthinitiativesinthe Midlandsthroughoutreachprogramsand For Grace*, obstacles were constantly inpartnerships. her way. A mom of three in her late 30s, Grace never had a personalIn recent years, our focus has bank account, was taking careexpanded to include social of a terminally ill familydeterminants of health. member and had recentlyExamples are access lost her vehicle and job.to affordable housing, Uncertain about how shehealthy food, convenient could get through the daystransportation and needed ahead, Grace turned tomedication. The pandemic outside resources for help.has further highlighted Through Prisma Healthsexisting disparities Community Connectionsand contributed to the program Grace receivedisolation of those who are guidance from licensedvulnerable and living with social workers and graduallychronic illness. By advancing began to see her life changethese social issues, our goal for the better. She found a newis to help South Carolinians job, stabilized her finances and evenbecome healthy and wellphysically, opened a bank account for the first time.emotionally and spiritually.She purchased a vehicle and began a fresh start for herself and family.Withprogramsdesignedaroundchronicdisease prevention,pregnancyservices,postpartumsupport, Thisnewsenseofpurposeandreclaimedsenseofreferralandfinancialassistancetounderinsured stability is at the heart of how Prisma Health caresresidents,virtualhealth(telehealth)programsand foritscommunityoutsideofhospitalwalls.Associaldeterminantsofhealth,PrismaHealthhas healthcareworkersinsidethebuildingscarefortheprovided99,246servicesto44,259adultsfamilies sick, public health teams extend that care and work toand children living in the Midlands. change and build healthy foundations for thousands of families.16IMARA'