Living Our Mission in the Eye of a Hurricane

In late September, Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through the Southern United States, effecting many PACS communities, particularly those in South Carolina. PACS team members rose to the occasion, acting quickly to ensure that patients and residents continued to receive the vital care they needed and to take care of each other.

We are immensely proud of and grateful for the heart and dedication shown by the PACS teammates who gave their all and went the extra mile during this challenging time. In celebration of their efforts, below are a few team members’ specific stories of impact.

Anna Clemmons, Payroll/HR, Powdersville Post Acuate

A leak in the roof was discovered at Anna Clemons’ facility, Powdersville Post Acute. As the facility’s maintenance director was out of town, there was no obvious candidate to patch the leak. So, Anna stepped up and did it herself.

She remembered an occasion where something similar had happened at the facility, and knew she needed to do whatever she could to keep residents safe from the incoming storm. Through the wind and rain of the approaching hurricane, she patched the roof to prevent further damage.

Elizabeth Roddy, Assistant Director of Nursing, River Falls Post Acute

Elizabeth Roddy of River Falls Post Acute recognized that many of her team members would have impassable roads to get to the facility. Knowing she could help, she loaded her sons Liam, 11, and Jensen, 1, into her car and brought them along to take care of her residents.

Roddy worked overtime passing out medications, serving meals, providing wound care, helping with residents’ daily activities, and assisting the onsite physician in his rounds, all with her children by her side. She’s proud of her boys, and her team, for how everyone pulled together in a dire time of need.

Megan Parham, Receptionist, Greenville Post Acute

Megan Parham’s shift at Greenville Post Acute was ending as the hurricane approached, but she became concerned when the doors weren’t functioning properly. After connecting with her supervisor to troubleshoot the issue, she ultimately worked overtime to keep her patients and residents safe. Along with checking the doors, she also wanted to maintain a sense of calm for those in her care.

Paula Harris, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Manna Post Acute

Paula Harris, a 30-year industry veteran, typically walks to work every day, but her mile long walk to work on September 27 looked very different from her usual commute. With the storm at its peak, trees were down everywhere and nearly everywhere was without power. Still, Harris forged on.

Harris eventually used her phone to call her unit manager, who was already in the building and left to get Harris. Together, they rode through the storm and managed hazards at the building until the danger subsided. Harris’ steadfast dedication to her patients and residents was felt in this moment and daily in her work at Manna Post Acute.

Elizabeth Hill, Activities Director, Anchor Hill Post Acute

At Anchor Post Acute, Activities Director Elizabeth Hill slept in her car at the facility when a tree came down on her house during the storm. When her colleagues found her, they reserved her a therapy room within the building and her administrator later helped her find a hotel to stay at for the duration of the storm.

Additionally, other Anchor employees had no power, food or water at home, and yet they still came to work. In support, local companies also donated items like canned goods, water, and gift cards to Anchor staff and personnel.

Looking Forward

These selfless actions show our mission at its best and inspired PACS leadership to further support those hit hardest by the hurricane with the launch of a dedicated employee relief fund to financially support team members.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the fund provided team members with non-taxable donations to cover costs such as lost groceries, vehicle damages, insurance premiums, and childcare. Over 1,000 team members received a total of $1,153,570. While the initiative was inspired by the heroism of team members affected by Helene, in the future, the relief fund will support PACS team members who have needs caused by other natural disasters and significant hardships.

Put simply, these stories and steadfast teammates inspired the PACS network. We remain deeply grateful for the dedication and drive our teams show all year long.