Rural Health Services breaks ground for new women's center

Landon Stamper, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Oct. 26—Tuesday marked a new chapter for Rural Health Services, as it officially broke ground for a new addition to its family.

The medical center is building a Maternal and Child Health Center, to be completed in fall 2022. The 18,800-square-foot facility will house Rural Health's women's services, pediatrics and imaging departments.

The new center will be located on the right side of the property as people pull into the parking lot at 1000 Clyburn Place, behind Aiken High School.

Carolyn Emanuel-McClain, CEO of Rural Health Services, spoke during the ceremony about the need for expansion.

"You may wonder why Rural Health Services would need another facility after opening the Clyburn Center (a little over) six years ago," Emanuel-McClain said. "Well, about the same time as COVID showed up, we began converting our inside storage (into) patient care rooms and space. At this time, we have no space for storage whatsoever."

The CEO said there are currently shipping containers behind the building to store supplies, as there is no room anywhere else.

"I believe it's correct to say that we are literally bursting at the seams at this point," Emanuel-McClain said.

Many local and state leaders were in attendance for the occasion, including S.C. Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken; S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken; and Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon.

Liz Stewart, vice chair of the board of directors, said the new facility will be a great addition to the community.

"This center will not only expand our footprint and enable us to serve more patients and meet more health care needs, but it's much needed because we must never lose sight of the fact that the need continues to be great and growing," Stewart said. "That will never change, and that inspires us."

"We know we have a great need in our community, and this new facility is one more way the Clyburn Center is helping meet the health care needs of our neighbors," said John Strother, chair of the board. "I am proud that we are able to continue to grow. We have accomplished much, even in spite of COVID. I know that we will continue to work hard and serve the community."