Prisma Health partnership with Wholespire Richland Coalition awarded $750,000 grant for healthy eating and active living initiative
October 15, 2024
Projects to focus on 29203 ZIP code area as part of Duke Endowment’s “Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas” grant program
Prisma Health and Wholespire Richland Coalition announced new funding from The Duke Endowment’s Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas (HPHC) initiative to advance a collaboration on projects that promote equitable health opportunities in Richland County. Community needs in the 29203 ZIP code area in Columbia will initially be the priority. The grant allows up to $750,000 in funding spread over five years.
Wholespire Richland Coalition’s members represent local public health, healthcare, education, government and social work entities who coordinate to reach beyond traditional health sector boundaries, partnering with a range of non-health organizations for a holistic service approach, with a particular focus on healthy eating and active living. “HPHC initiatives prioritize involving community voices in decision-making and planning so public input will help guide every step,” said Robin Cooper, chapter chair of Wholespire Richland County.
This 5-year grant follows an initial one-year investment by The Duke Endowment, during which Wholespire Richland Coalition identified opportunities, priorities, partners and achievable goals in the service area. The 29203 ZIP code area in Richland County will be the initial focus area because it faces significant health disparities, with high rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity.
As the lead applicant for the grant, Prisma Health will serve as executive leadership and fiduciary for this initiative. In addition to financial support, the Coalition will receive technical assistance and resources from the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA), South Carolina Office of Rural Health and several other partners. The combined efforts are designed to create sustainable local initiatives that develop partnerships and additional financial support in the future.
Anthony Jackson, Prisma Health vice president for business development and community relations, said, “Prisma Health’s role in community health extends far beyond our hospital walls and our local partners help make this possible. We are excited to continue working with Wholespire Richland Coalition. Actively fostering diverse and inclusive partnerships make futures brighter for residents who have faced barriers. All the partners are committed to improving health equity and quality of life where disparities exist in our community.”
According to America’s Health Rankings, the longest-running state-by-state analysis of the nation’s health, South Carolina ranks 41st among all states when it comes to the overall health of its residents, with physical activity and food insecurity as major areas of opportunity.
This initiative in Richland County is a comprehensive effort closely aligned with Prisma Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Focused on addressing key health concerns identified in the CHNA – mental health, overweight and obesity, and heart disease and stroke — this initiative leverages insights to develop targeted programs.
Community feedback will help determine up to five program priorities that will be achieved with the support and expertise of local partners such as schools, churches, FoodShare, SC Thrive, GoNoodle, City of Columbia, S.C. Department of Transportation, and S.C. Department of Public Health.
“This new cohort of coalitions represents a major opportunity to address healthy behaviors and other factors that influence health and health outcomes in local communities,” said Chris Collins, associate director of health care at The Duke Endowment. “Wholespire Richland Coalition is well-prepared to make lasting policy, systems, and environmental changes that will help community members for decades to come.”
The Duke Endowment launched its Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas initiative in 2015 to help communities in North Carolina and South Carolina address chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The program has evolved to support coalitions in upstream interventions and embedding community voice and equity in decision-making early on.
About Wholespire Richland Coalition
Wholespire Richland Coalition is a network of individuals and organizations representing public health, health care, education, government, social work, and many other professionals passionate about making Richland County, South Carolina, communities more equitable and ensuring all community members have access to healthy choices.
About The Duke Endowment
Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds, and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $4.3 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.
About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company and the largest health care organization in South Carolina. The company has 29,309 team members, 18 acute and specialty hospitals, 2,827 licensed beds, 305 practice sites, and more than 5,400 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Along with this innovative network, Prisma Health serves almost 1.5 million unique patients annually in its 21-county market area that covers 50% of South Carolina. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter/X. Visit www.PrismaHealth.org.
