S.C. Bluecross Foundation Presents $70,000 Grant To Free Medical Clinic

October 30, 2009

Columbia – The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation presented a $70,000 grant to the Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County at an event today in Hartsville, S.C.

The grant will be used for operational support of the clinic's sites in Darlington, S.C., and Hartsville, S.C.

The check presentation took place at a celebratory event in Lawton Park in Hartsville. Local and state dignitaries were on hand to make remarks.

"It's becoming more and more necessary for the public and private sector to create partnerships that result in the improved health and well-being of all South Carolinians, no matter if they live in a rural area or lack the proper financial and insurance resources, because our humanity matters," said State Senator Gerald Malloy of Darlington County.  "The Free Clinic is an exemplary effort of all stakeholders in the medical care delivery system and made possible in part through the efforts of good corporate citizens such as the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation."

"Free medical clinics are the saving grace for people who have to choose between paying their utility bill and buying medication," said Foundation Executive Director Harvey Galloway. "This clinic does a wonderfully admirable job of helping these individuals maintain their health in a time of crisis. We're pleased to be able to assist by presenting this grant."

The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County serves people between the ages of 19 and 64 who have no private health insurance, who are not eligible for government insurance, and who have a household income level of 200 percent or less of poverty level. The clientele recently has increased by 50 percent at both sites, with most having lost their jobs in the recent down economy.

About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation
Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Its mission is to promote the health of South Carolinians and to expand access to health care for the economically disadvantaged by supporting integrated research, education and community service.