#United States #Behavioral Health #Tecsys #Prisma Health #Easley

Tecsys Pledges $5 Million to Prisma Health's New Behavioral Health Hospital

In a significant move that underscores the importance of mental health support, Tecsys Inc. has committed $5 million to aid the establishment of the new Prisma Health Behavioral Health Hospital in South Carolina's Upstate region. This donation stands as the largest philanthropic contribution towards behavioral health in the history of Prisma Health, marking a transformative moment for mental health care in the area.

The upcoming facility, with an investment value of $138 million, is designed to significantly enhance the region's capacity to provide care for children and adolescents struggling with behavioral health issues. Upon its opening in March 2027, the hospital will quadruple the available beds for child and adolescent mental health patients and double the overall inpatient capacity for behavioral health care.

Currently, many patients, including children, have to travel long distances—often as far as the coast of South Carolina—to receive the necessary psychiatric treatment due to a lack of sufficient licensed beds in the Upstate. In 2022 alone, over 3,300 behavioral health patients faced this challenge, often leading to significant delays in receiving care.

Mark O'Halla, president and CEO of Prisma Health, expressed gratitude for Tecsys’ support, stating, "Tecsys' support is helping bring to life a transformational project that will change behavioral health care in the Upstate for decades to come." He emphasized the hospital’s potential to alleviate the burden of travel and improve access to essential care for families in need.

Over the years, Tecsys has worked closely with Prisma Health as a technology partner to build a resilient and secure supply chain infrastructure. This collaboration provided the company with insight into the pressing needs of the health system, prompting tech CEO Peter Brereton to extend their contribution beyond technology, recognizing an opportunity to make a profound impact on community health.

"Our work with health systems gives us a close view of the critical role they play in the lives of patients, families, and communities," Brereton noted. The company recognizes the unique challenges faced by families, particularly for children who might need to travel extensively to receive care. "This gift is a way for us to help bring that care closer to home," he added.

Tecsys’ donation reflects its longstanding dedication to community welfare, especially regarding the health and well-being of children, youth, and families. Over the decades, Tecsys has supported numerous organizations focused on children's health and vulnerable populations across North America, demonstrating a strong commitment through corporate philanthropy, employee fundraising, and matching donations.

David Brereton, co-founder and board chair of Tecsys, shared his perspective on the company’s approach to corporate responsibility: "We have always believed that our responsibility extends beyond our daily operations. Supporting children and families facing challenges has always been a priority for us." He added that the considerable travel distance families must cover just to access mental health care for their children was a rallying cry for the company’s support.

The new hospital project is buoyed by significant one-time state funding amounting to $100 million, appropriated by the South Carolina General Assembly. This funding aims to broaden both psychiatric inpatient and outpatient capabilities in the Upstate, enhancing the support network for mental healthcare.

So far, the community has rallied together, with the Prisma Health-Upstate Foundation's Hope Forward Campaign raising over $9.26 million towards the hospital’s development.

The planned building, which will cover an extensive 135,000 square feet and accommodate 112 beds, will be located on a 46-acre site near Easley, South Carolina. It will replace the existing 65-bed Marshall I. Pickens Hospital.

This initiative highlights the pivotal role of community-driven support and collaborative efforts in reshaping mental health care, thereby promising a brighter future for families in need of vital behavioral health services. To learn more or support the ongoing project, interested parties can visit the Hope Forward website.

About Tecsys

Tecsys is recognized for empowering mission-critical organizations, particularly in healthcare and distribution, with the tools to build secure, efficient, and resilient supply chains. As a global provider of AI-driven software, Tecsys offers real-time visibility and operational execution across essential workflows.

About Prisma Health

Prisma Health is a nonprofit health organization with a commitment to innovative care, employing over 33,000 team members across various facilities, serving more than 1.6 million patients annually. For more information on their services, connect with them on social media or visit PrismaHealth.org.