First Citizens Supports GGC's Telehealth Initiative

December 20, 2016 – First Citizens Bank Foundation has provided $30,000 to the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) Foundation to support their telehealth initiative.

Telehealth is a way for patients to receive services including physical exams, counseling and consultations virtually, from a provider in another location. GGC is began its telehealth program in November between its offices in Florence and Charleston, with plans to expand it statewide next year.

“Patient access to care is a challenge that we have addressed in many ways over the years at GGC,”
said Mike Lyons, MD, Co-Director of Clinical Services and head of the telehealth initiative at GCG. “With the advanced communication technologies now available, a provider in one location can see a patient in another location and provide clinical evaluations, consults and genetic counseling. This will make it so much easier for patient in rural areas of our state, or those with transportation issues or other barriers, to access the care they need.”

The telehealth system includes high resolution video equipment and specialized telehealth medical tools that can be used in the exam.

“First Citizens Bank is excited to be a partner and continue our support of the GGC in their continued efforts to provide quality genetic services to patients, no matter where they are,” said Jerry Stevens, Senior VP and Market Executive at First Citizens Bank in Greenwood. “We are so fortunate to have a world class organization like the GGC right here in our own backyard of Greenwood, SC, but for those in other areas, this telehealth program will ensure that they can receive these critical services as well.”

“GGC is grateful for First Citizens’ commitment to enhancing the lives of patients across SC and
beyond through their support of telehealth and many other GGC programs over the years,” said
Center Director, Steve Skinner, MD. “We are often caring for families in very difficult and fragile medical situations. Telehealth will removes the inconvenience, burden and expense of travel, so these families can focus on what’s most important – getting the care their loved ones need.”

To learn how you can support this initiative, or other programs of GGC, visit www.GGC.org or contact the GGC Foundation at 864-388-1813.

Photo: Jerry Stevens (far left) and Matt Howard, First Citizens’ VP and Business Banker, (far right) present the gift to GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner and Director of Development, Victoria Hann.