CareSouth Carolina’s Sharon Drake Named Outreach Worker of the Year

CareSouth Carolina is proud to announce that Sharon Drake has been named Outreach Worker of the Year by the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association. The recognition was presented during the organization’s recent SEA Retreat.

Drake, who will celebrate six years with CareSouth Carolina this November, began her journey as a Community Health Worker and now serves as a Patient Advocate in Chesterfield. Over the years, she has become a trusted resource for patients, helping them navigate care and access services during some of their most challenging moments.

“I was very surprised. I had no idea,” Drake said of receiving the award.

In her role, Drake works closely with patients to ensure they understand the full scope of services available to them. She helps connect individuals to patient assistance programs, guides them through care options, and provides a steady voice of support.

“I become the patient’s voice when they’re in need,” she said. “Some people don’t know about CareSouth Carolina and all that we provide. There are a lot of people who need help out here and don’t know that we can help them. This is more than just a doctor’s office. I’m here to help them and let them know what all we offer. We are their voice.”

Whether assisting with access to care or simply taking the time to listen, Drake said she focuses on the small, meaningful moments that can make a lasting difference in a patient’s life.

“Just the little things—helping patients—that’s what matters,” she said.

Outside of her role at CareSouth Carolina, Drake enjoys helping others in her community and volunteering, looking to make a positive impact wherever she can.

The SCPHCA SEA Retreat gathering is designed specifically for the dedicated support staff who play a critical role in the success of community health centers across the state.

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