Novant Health Foundation extends work into South Carolina to support patients and care teams

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Novant Health announced the expansion of Novant Health Foundation into South Carolina, building on its long history of advancing health and healing across the Carolinas. The foundation serves as a vital resource in supporting patient care, community health programs and team member well-being across Novant Health’s growing healthcare network.

The first Guardian Angel recognition ceremony at Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center.

The South Carolina division of Novant Health Foundation, led by Nancy McInroy, will help deliver on Novant Health’s commitment to high-quality, compassionate care. With healthcare campuses in Hilton Head, Charleston and Greenville, the expansion ensures that local giving directly supports local needs.

McInroy, a longtime champion of healthcare access, recently joined Novant Health as chief philanthropy officer for the South Carolina region. In her previous role as president of the National MS Society’s Greater Illinois Market, McInroy spearheaded philanthropic development and major giving campaigns.

“Novant Health is dedicated to building a healthier future for South Carolina, and with that comes the opportunity and responsibility to invest meaningfully in the patients and care team members we serve,” said McInroy. “The foundation’s work in South Carolina will empower our neighbors to play an active role in shaping the future of healthcare in their own backyards.”

The foundation will strengthen our team’s work on critical priorities, including:

• Access to care: funding for programs and services that reduce health disparities and increase access to care in underserved communities
• Clinical innovation: investments in advanced technology, specialty services and facility improvements
• Team member support: resources such as scholarships, emergency assistance and professional development for the healthcare workers who care for us all
• Patient experience: enhancements that provide comfort, dignity and connection during life’s most vulnerable moments

The foundation in South Carolina is already making an impact. One of its first initiatives took place at Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center in Hardeeville, where grateful patient Joan Kulchar honored a care team member through Novant Health’s Guardian Angel program. The recognition included a personal note of thanks, a meaningful gift through the foundation and the presentation of a Guardian Angel pin to speech language pathologist Brittany Patnaude in a heartfelt ceremony.

“Brittany made sure I knew I was No. 1. She not only did her job but communicated what she was doing and reassured me that I was OK,” Kulchar said, describing her experience undergoing a swallow study ahead of sinus surgery. “The interactions between Brittany and her team members were wonderful. You could tell they took pride in their work; you knew you were getting the best of care. That all translates to your patient experience.”

Patient Joan Kulchar hugs Novant Health speech language pathologist Brittany Patnaude after surprising her with a Guardian Angel recognition.

Patnaude was honored to be recognized and appreciated Kulchar going the extra mile to acknowledge her commitment to patient care.

“These early acts of generosity underscore the powerful bond between patients and providers – and the role philanthropy plays in strengthening those relationships,” McInroy said. “As our foundation’s work grows here, Novant Health invites individuals, businesses and civic partners throughout South Carolina to join in supporting its mission.”

Honoring a team member through the Novant Health Foundation Guardian Angel program is one of the easiest ways to make a difference. Patients can honor remarkable caregivers while supporting programs and services in their local Novant Health facilities.

Visit the foundation website for more information or to make a gift.