(Anderson, S.C. – June 5, 2024) – AnMed is among only three health systems in the U.S. to be named winners of the 2024 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award from the American Hospital Association. The prestigious annual honor is bestowed for outstanding efforts among hospitals and health systems to advance equity of care to all patients and to spread lessons learned and progress toward diversity, inclusion and health equity.
"This is a tremendous, tremendous tribute to the compassion and the exceptional care that we provide to everyone throughout our community," said AnMed CEO William Kenley. "Social determinants of health affect a wide range of health outcomes and risks, but through commitment, hard work and intelligence, we can make a difference in raising the tide for everyone. I'm very proud of the will, the passion and the dogged efforts that so many at AnMed have contributed to this end."
AnMed, an independent, not-for-profit health system in South Carolina, was selected as the AHA's award winner in the Small/Rural Hospital Excellence category while Main Line Health in Radnor, Pennsylvania, was selected in the Transforming category and Augusta Health of Fishersville, Virginia, was selected in the Emerging category.
"The AHA's Carolyn Boone Equity of Care award is given to these hospitals and health systems for their deep dedication to reducing health disparities and other inequities within their communities," said Rick Pollack, the AHA's president and CEO. "This year's honorees have shown exemplary commitment to understanding and improving the lives of their patients, communities and employees and serve as important examples to the entire hospital field."
AnMed's work to improve equity of care has been headlined by development of robust language services and communications offerings for patients who have limited English proficiency. This effort, which includes both in-person and digital-interpretation options for multiple languages, has guaranteed precision and uniformity in delivering language services, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction among diverse patient groups.
AnMed's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion also includes addressing broad social drivers of health and promoting racial reconciliation in South Carolina. The health system provides diversity training for staff members and internal support groups for special populations, and AnMed actively fosters an environment that embraces inclusivity to mirror the local community it serves.
"Collaborations with nonprofit organizations and coalitions like the United Way, AIM, and the Anderson Area Remembrance and Reconciliation Initiative highlight AnMed's comprehensive approach to community wellbeing," said Juana Slade, AnMed's chief diversity officer. "By embracing effective community partnerships, AnMed continues to establish a benchmark for inclusive health care delivery and social responsibility, ensuring that all residents of Upstate South Carolina have access to equitable care and opportunities for a healthier future."
About AnMed
Founded in 1908, AnMed is an independent, not-for-profit health system serving Upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia. It is licensed for 648 beds and anchored by AnMed Medical Center, a 495-bed acute-care hospital that has earned the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The system also includes the Oglesby Specialty Inpatient Center, AnMed North Campus and AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital in Anderson, AnMed Cannon in Pickens and more than 60 physician practices. AnMed locations are spread from Easley to Hartwell, Georgia. More than 30 specialties are represented on staff. Named one of the nation's 153 "Great Community Hospitals" by Becker's Hospital Review, AnMed has more than 370 physicians and 3,600 employees, and it is Anderson County's largest employer. The system is one of three in the nation to have earned a 2024 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award from the American Hospital Association.
