Lee: Piedmont Health opens one-stop care in Sanford

The Sanford Community Health Center, housing Piedmont Health Services, Inc, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 8 at 1301 Central Drive. The one-stop shop for healthcare facility offers a multitude of services to Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Piedmont Health began 55 years ago in Prospect Hill and now serves seven counties.

The team offers one-stop care with primary medical providers, physical therapy, lab services, women, infant and children care, and even behavioral, dental care and has a pharmacy in the same building.

One-stop care is more than convenient; it is a safer way to navigate care because there is less traveling and waiting. For seniors, this care is essential for maintaining health, reducing stress, and ensuring timely access to needed services.

Studies show one-stop care saves the federal government money because it provides whole-health strategies, reducing hospital stays.

The program of all-inclusive care (PACE) serves seniors eligible for nursing home care and allows patients to live at home. PACE transports patients to their day care where they can socialize and receive medical care and medication. The buses also deliver medication to private homes.

“We pay providers directly,” PACE Social Worker Chuck Fleming said about handling insurance for patients.

“UNC allowed use of this building to serve patients…In the 1940s, legislation invested in healthcare because in World War II, a large number of North Carolina’s men were turned away from registering because of poor health. [That is why] Piedmont Health helps with rural care,” Dr. Lynne Fiscus, President and CEO of the UNC Physicians Network said.

Contact Piedmont Health at the Sanford Community Health Center. (919) 933-8494.

Aug. 9, 2025

Stephanie M. Sellers