Kershaw Health Services District outlines $650,000 grant program, Beechwood life‑plan project and MUSC partnership
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Summary
The district reported awarding about $650,000 in 2025 grants, outlined 2026 priorities (aging, early childhood, mental health, nutrition), described Beechwood life‑plan community presales (~100 deposits) and confirmed a planned MUSC‑run family‑medicine intern program beginning in 2028.
The Kershaw Health Services District told County Council on Feb. 10 that it granted roughly $650,000 to community partners in 2025 and is preparing its 2026 grant cycle around prioritized areas including aging/caregiver health, early‑childhood readiness, mental‑health and substance‑use supports, and nutrition/physical activity.
"Under community impact and strategic planning, the district granted approximately $650,000 to various community partners in 2025," the district chair said, adding the 2026 grant process will align with newly selected priorities from the LiveWell Kershaw County Coalition.
The district reported progress on the Beechwood life‑plan community: site surveys, a phase‑1 environmental assessment, preliminary geotechnical work and initial pricing have been completed; design work is underway for assisted‑living and independent‑living components. The chair said about 100 people had placed deposits on the independent‑living interest list and that a South Carolina‑based senior living operator had been chosen as the management partner (the chair said the manager’s name is not yet released).
The district also praised MUSC’s management of the county hospital and discussed a planned family‑medicine internship aimed at training physicians in Kershaw County. The district said an intern class of six is planned to begin in 2028, with subsequent years adding cohorts until an 18‑physician program is in place—intended to bolster rural family‑medicine capacity.
Council members thanked the district for collaboration and emphasized the district’s independent role. Several council members said they supported the district’s cautious financial stance—using grant income to fund partners—and asked for continued updates on Beechwood timelines and any financial returns that might fund future grants.
Ending: Council expressed broad support for the district’s strategy; staff and the district agreed to provide updates on Beechwood site work, the grant cycle and the planned MUSC training program as details solidify.