Health Center News

CareSouth Carolina Strikes Gold with National Recognitions

By Joel Mercado posted 02-04-2025 00:00

  


National Recognitions

CareSouth Carolina has been honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) for its dedication to cardiovascular health in the Pee Dee region.


Awards Received

  • Target: BP Gold+ Award
    • Recognizes CareSouth Carolina’s success in managing blood pressure in over 70% of its adult patients.
  • Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold Award
    • Highlights efforts to effectively manage high cholesterol using evidence-based care. 
  • Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Gold Award
    • Acknowledges the organization’s exceptional care and management of Type 2 diabetes.


Key Facts and Impact

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
    • Affects nearly half of American adults (~122.4 million).
    • Only 25% of those affected have their blood pressure under control. 
  • Cardiovascular Disease
    • Nearly 50% of U.S. adults suffer from cardiovascular-related conditions linked to high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
  • Type 2 Diabetes
    • About 1-in-10 people in the U.S. have diabetes, and most have Type 2. More children, teens, and young adults are developing Type 2 diabetes than in the past.


Commitment to Patient Care

  • Innovative Programs
    • Implementation of a Remote Patient Monitoring Program to track and improve blood pressure control.
  • Clinical Enhancements
    • Adjusted clinical procedures and enhanced patient follow-ups to ensure timely intervention and care.
       

CareSouth Carolina is excited to announce the addition of its newest provider, Dr. Heather Kilpatrick, D.M.D., who will be bringing her extensive dental expertise to the Miles of Smiles Pediatric Clinic. This Mobile Dental Unit provides comprehensive dental care, including emergency services, to children 18 years old and younger across the Pee Dee Region.

Dr. Kilpatrick, who earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a career span of over two decades, she has worked in various dental settings across South Carolina, Alabama, and Indiana, offering both general and specialized dental care.

But what excites Dr. Kilpatrick most isn't just the work—it's the opportunity to connect with her young patients. 

"I love the kids and the freedom. It's also great to help the kids. I love helping them," she shared. "When you see a kid that has never been before, or they're scared, it's great getting to show them that this is something they can enjoy and it's not something to be scared of."

The Miles of Smiles Pediatric Clinic is designed to make dental care more accessible and less intimidating for children, especially those who may have limited access to traditional dental offices. Dr. Kilpatrick's passion for pediatric dentistry and her ability to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for young patients make her an invaluable addition to the CareSouth Carolina family.
Outside of work, she most enjoys studying forensics and spending time with her two dogs.




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 health services, podiatry, and veterans’ choice provider.
 
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