CareSouth Carolina Generates More Than $191 Million in Economic Impact in 2024

CareSouth Carolina contributed an estimated $191.3 million to the local economy, fueled by job creation, direct spending, healthcare savings, and expanded support for underserved populations, according to a comprehensive assessment performed by Capital Link.

A Major Economic Impact for the Pee Dee Region

The report shows that CareSouth Carolina’s operations supported 1,128 total jobs, including 596 direct health center positions and 532 additional jobs created through indirect and induced economic activity. These roles span clinical services, administrative support, and jobs within the wider community that benefit from the center’s presence.

CareSouth Carolina’s economic contributions for 2024 include:

• $104.8 million in direct health center spending
• $86.5 million in community spending
• $21.9 million in total annual tax revenues
  • $4.1 million in state and local tax revenues
  • $17.8 million in federal tax revenues

Significant Healthcare Savings for South Carolina

The 2024 analysis also highlights the substantial savings CareSouth Carolina provides to Medicaid and the broader healthcare system. This year, the center helped generate:

• 24% lower costs for Medicaid patients who received care at a community health center
• $30.1 million in savings to Medicaid
• $61.6 million in overall health system savings

These savings come from increased access to primary and preventive care, reduced emergency room visits, and improved long-term patient outcomes.

Providing Care to Vulnerable Populations

CareSouth Carolina continues to serve as a vital access point for individuals who face significant barriers to healthcare. In 2024, the organization recorded:

• 230,878 total visits, including 193,602 clinic visits and 37,276 virtual visits
• 37,617 patients served
• 74.4% of patients identified as low-income
• 61.5% identified as an ethnic or racial minority
• Support provided to 2,598 agricultural workers, 1,219 veterans, and 867 individuals experiencing homelessness

Strengthening Community Health and Local Economies

Beyond the numbers, the 2024 report underscores how CareSouth Carolina strengthens both community health and economic resilience. Every dollar invested in the health center generates additional economic activity, supports local businesses, and contributes to a healthier population.

This year’s findings align with national trends showing the value of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in providing cost-effective care while reducing long-term burdens on public health systems.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, infectious disease primary care, IV therapy, substance abuse prevention, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, senior support services, family support services, clinical counseling, laboratory, ultrasound, X-Ray, agricultural worker health services, podiatry, and veterans choice provider