Florence, South Carolina – A pediatric practice that has cared for Pee Dee families for more than four decades is entering a new chapter, but patients in Florence and Darlington should see little change when they walk through the door. The same providers, nurses and staff will remain in place as Eastern Carolina Pediatric Associates becomes part of HopeHealth.
HopeHealth announced the acquisition of Eastern Carolina Pediatric Associates, or ECPA, expanding its pediatric services across Florence and Darlington counties while preserving a practice that has served generations of local children for 42 years.
ECPA was built by Dr. Richard Davis and Dr. John Keith around care for the whole child. Under the transition, existing appointments will continue as scheduled, current practice locations in Florence and Darlington will remain open, and patients will continue seeing familiar providers as operations move under HopeHealth management.
“We are honored to welcome Eastern Carolina Pediatric Associates to HopeHealth,” HopeHealth CEO Carl Humphries said in a press release sent to Florence News Journal.
“For decades, their providers have earned the trust of families throughout our community by delivering exceptional pediatric care. Our top priority is to preserve the outstanding care families expect while expanding access to comprehensive, coordinated health services that help children thrive.”
Medical records are expected to transfer as part of the integration, while existing insurance plans will continue to be accepted subject to participation by individual plans.
Dr. Davis, ECPA president and co-founder, said joining HopeHealth will allow the practice to continue the legacy families have trusted for 42 years while gaining access to additional services and resources.
Dr. Keith said ECPA has been privileged to care for generations of families in Florence, Darlington and nearby communities, calling the partnership an opportunity to build on that history and strengthen pediatric care across the Pee Dee.
The acquisition is also intended to expand access to services including preventive care, well-child visits, immunizations, developmental screenings, same-day sick visits and chronic disease management.
HopeHealth is a nonprofit federally qualified health center serving nearly 85,000 patients through primary and specialty care services in Florence, Aiken, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Williamsburg counties. The organization says its broader mission includes improving access to comprehensive health care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Families seeking additional information about HopeHealth can visit hope-health.org or call 843-667-9414.
